The Lincoln Lawyer ~ Movie Review

Starring:  Matthew McConaughey, Marissa Tomei, William Macy Jr., Ryan Phillipe, Josh Lucas
Director:  Brad Furman
Running Time:   118 minutes

The Lincoln Lawyer is the story of a criminal defense attorney, Mickey Haller [Matthew McConaughey], who has lost his driver's license (and though we're never told why.... he does like to drink...a lot). His driver, Earl, is kind of like his social secretary, people pull up and he pulls over. Mick likes to conduct most of his business right out of the backseat of his Lincoln Continental, his office on wheels, and very low overhead. Everything is going along swimmingly until Val (an electronics monitor) [John Leguizamo] sends some business Mick's way. A young wealthy playboy, Louis Roulet [Ryan Phillipe], has been accused of assault, attempted rape (and several other offenses) and he has asked that Mick take his case. His mother, Mary Windsor [Frances Fisher] is ultra-wealth, and can't have her son sitting in jail, where all the criminals are. This is when the story gets interesting, because a defense attorney doesn't get to defend very many innocent clients...

The pictures of the supposed prostitute who suffered Louis's hand are horrific. He can't even stand to look at them, his chin quivers as he relays his story to Mick, the innocent young man who was in the wrong place at the wrong time. And his story is almost plausible... almost. Then, incriminating evidence starts turning up... like his knife at the young lady's apartment. Mick can smell a set up, but at first, he's not sure who's being set up, him, his client, or the prosecutor [Josh Lucas]. He sets his investigator, Frank [William H. Macy, Jr.] on the job of ferreting out the truth.

In the meantime, Mick is partying it up with ex-wife, Maggie [Marissa Tomei], trying to find out what information is missing from his case. Then, the shit hits the fan. One day after Mick gets Louis out on bond, he starts seeing coincidences between this case and another, and he becomes suspicious all over again, Louis isn't being straight. And just when he thinks he's going to catch a break, someone murders Frank, and the most obvious killer is Louis.

As Mick begins to dig, Louis is stalking him and his family.  Is he a murderer is Armani? It only gets better from there.

If you haven't seen The Lincoln Lawyer, I highly recommend it. It's fast and funny, deadly serious, heart warming. I know everyone says that Matthew McConaughey only plays one part, the introspective exuberant over confident smart ass know it all. If this is the case, he does it so well, and I'd encourage him to do more, it is a treat. And as an extra bonus, he's easy on the eyes. This is a riveting movie, a power play, and until the very end, it was a whodunit with questions to be answered. There's also some interesting secondary characters, like the detectives [Michael Pare/Bryan Cranston] haunting his steps, the motorcycle gang and it's leader Eddie [Trace Adkins] who dogs his car and takes care of his problems as they crop up and he takes care of theirs, the young drug addict/prostitute, Reggie [Margarita Levieva] without her help, Louis can't be setup, and jail house snitch, Corliss [Shea Whigham] who sets the cops on Louis once again. I really wish William H. Macy Jr. had been in the story longer, only because I think he's an interesting character, never know what kind of part he's going to play or where it will go.

All in all, The Lincoln Lawyer was well worth from my sixteen dollars. I'm sure the dvd will join my collection.

The Lincoln Lawyer by Michael Connelly

From the Cover:

Mickey Haller has spent all his professional life afraid that he wouldn't recognize innocence if it stood right in front of him. But what he should have been on the watch for was evil.

Haller is a Lincoln Lawyer, a criminal defense pro who operates out of the backseat of his Lincoln Town Car, to defend the clients at the bottom of the legal food chain. It's no wonder that he is despised by cops, prosecutors, and even some of his own clients.

From bikers to con artists to drunk drivers and drug dealers, they're all on Mickey Haller's client list. But when a Beverly Hills rich boy is arrested for brutally beating a woman, Haller has his first high-paying client in years. It's a franchise case and he's sure it will be a slam dunk in the courtroom. For once, he may be defending a client who is actually innocent.

But an investigator is murdered for getting too close to the truth and Haller quickly discovers that his search for innocence has taken him face-to-face with a kind of evil as pure as a flame. To escape without being burned, Haller must use all of his skills to manipulate a system in which he no longer believes.

Saint Valentine's Clash by Raven Corinn Carluk

Publisher:  Raven Corinn Carluk /  Smashwords
Pages:  320

(Release Date:  February 13, 2011)

 

From the Cover:

Her powers are growing, her depressions are gone, and Keila is doing what she does best; helping those who need her. The young psionicist has her life back on track thanks to her considerate vampire lover and close friends that love her.

Varick is out of town, and Keila keeps herself busy to avoid any longing. Simy is suffering flashbacks from childhood, Giovanni says kids are going missing, and a strange presence is affecting Portland. More than enough for a young woman to juggle and solve, keeping herself happy.

Events culminate quickly; Simy is kidnapped, a sex cult is enthralling people, and an enticing incubus becomes her ward. Suddenly, it's a race against time with an enemy from her past.

Keila must face her greatest challenge, alone, and prove to the world just how deadly capable she is.

While Varick is away on business, Keila finds herself in demand. She has finally come to understand that she is strong enough to stand on her own. Since the death of her parents, she's been a little lost. With Varick's help, and steady pushing, she's glorying her own abilities, and they're many and varied, and growing everyday. And she's found out something else about herself, without her vampire lover at her beckon call, she's becoming more like the vampire, in her thoughts and her needs, maybe even becoming a little bit of a vampire herself.

Simy, Keila's best friend, has been summoned back to New Zealand. But, when she drops him at the airport, he's kidnapped by a distant relative, a sex mage. It turns out, though Keila or Simy can't remember anything about what happened before, this is the same mage that kidnapped Simy and his sister. It's also the last thing Keila's father did before his death, freeing Simy from the very same sex mage. Now, it's up to Keila to find her friend and set him free.

While the airport and before she knows about Simy, she discovers another man, a gentle Japanese man, being forced into a van by other stronger men. It goes against her family creed not to try to help the weaker when possible. She frees the man, Kiyoshi, only to find out, he is one of the sex's mages underlings. Moira bound a demon to his soul, turning into an incubus and immortal. His abilities are to soothe, calm, use others with his sexuality. To get Simy back, Keila will need his help.

Also, Giovanni, since losing his daughter, Charlotte, has left the vampire's employment and he's now running a shelter for teens. Trying to give back and help other teens as he wasn't able to help Charlotte. When teens go missing, Keila thinks she knows where they are, and it all comes back to the sex mage, Moira. And there's more going on than Keila is even aware of.

When Varick calls Keila to see if she'd like him to return, in need of his help, she refuses. She needs to try to do for herself.

Saint Valentine's Clash by Raven Corinn Carluk is the second installment of her Keila O'Brion, Psioinic Warrior series. In this installment, we find Keila on her own, her German vampire lover, Varick Eitenhauer, out of town on business. Simy has been called back to New Zealand, but it's all a ruse to get him back into the evil clutches of Moira, ancient sex mage and distant relative. Without her vampire, Keila has to depend on herself, use her wits and cunning along with her powerful abilities to find and free Simy.  Moira, sex mage and wicked witch, has intruded once more into Keila's life and is daunting her with facts she doesn't remember, the reason for her father's death. Keila is also, with the help of the vampire's networking abilities, being called to help with preternatural problems. A private investigator, Cliff, calls about an odd book left in his care. He gives Keila the ancient book.... covered in something besides leather... and there's something about the book, something unclean... (there's more story to tell here, so there's hope for a three book for this series). Keila is the same gothic tongue-studded character from All Hallows Blood, Book 1 (Crescent Moon Press) who uses her abilities for good. She refers to herself a sociopathic, but I prefer "emotionally divergent" (she may exhibit some antisocial behaviors by not conforming to the societal norms, but she is engaged and she helps those who need her). It is through her emotional divergence that she's able to stay calm in extreme situations, not minding a little blood shed.

Saint Valentine's Clash is an excellent follow up to All Hallow's Blood, though I would have enjoyed seeing more of the vampire, Varick Eitenhauer. He was a strong character in the last book, and I missed his presence in this book, other than phone calls and dreams. But, Keila becomes more focused, a stronger character without the vampire taking care of her needs, letting her grow and come into her own. There is less romance in this book than the first, with the vampire out of town, but the introduction of Kiyoshi and his growth in the story, helps fill out the missing pieces. Though Saint Valentine's Clash is Book 2, it is easily read as a stand alone. Raven Corinn Carluk also wrote a flash fiction with Keila and Varick on her website, it's definitely worth a peek too. This is a book that all urban fantasy lovers will want to take a look at. I enjoyed it and I'm looking forward to the next installment in the series.

I received this ebook for review from the author. All opinions expressed are my own.

Sassy Sunday Story Starter.... from Sassy Brit 'Alternative-Read'

Well, I know I'm late, but only a little, and I finished a book last night! YAY! Now to write the review...

But instead of writing the book review, I whipped up a quick tale for Sassy Sunday Story Starter from Alternative Reads brought to us by Viviane Brentanos, author of Womens Contemporary Fiction. I know, not doing what I'm supposed to be doing....lol

Murder By Design

by:  Dottie Taylor

word count: 720

A hard rain drummed out its incessant beat. Max Jackson rested his head against the mullioned windowpane and wondered if he’d ever get used to the capricious climate. A mundane deliberation, really. The weather was the least of his worries.

Now, the police, that was the real worry. That's why he was hold up here. Not that it was bad here, except for the incessant raining, the heat and humidity, mosquitoes big enough to carry away small animals ... aside from that, it was pretty great.

And who knows, maybe they'll try to pin the murder on someone else. Yeah. Right. His fingerprints were all over the knife, her blood on his clothes, and they had been seen together, earlier in the evening. All looks pretty suspicious, even to him. Fucked. That's what he was, fucked.

He ran a hand over his tired face, and sighed. He wished Billy would call.

******

Back in New York, Billy stared at the phone. She'd promised him she'd call, but she hadn't, knew she wouldn't, it was too easy. Instead she opened the phone and dialed 911.

“Nine-One-One operator...What's the nature of your emergency?” The police operator spoke through the clicking of computer keys.

“I know the location of Max Jackson, he's wanted in connection to the Linda McNeary murder?”

“Please hold for the detective.” The operator voice was anxious, suspicious. Moments later, another voice filled her ear.

“This is Detective Michaels, with whom am I speaking with?”

“That's not really important is it? I mean, I'm just want to do my civic duty, I don't want to leave my name.”

“Yes, ma'am, but there's a reward for information regarding the case, no name no reward.”

“Oh, well... I guess it wouldn't hurt... My name is Susy, Susy Kurts.”

“Okay, Ms. Kurts, why don't you tell me what you know?”

“Well... Max Jackson, he's kind of a friend, and well, he called me. Said he was staying down in New Orleans, in the French Quarter, place called Mabel's. He supposed to have murdered that girl...”

“You sure about that?”

“As you as you're sitting there whittling your thumbs, and he did call me.”

“We'll check it out. Can you come in, sign a statement?”

“Gee, detective, I don't know....I don't want to get involved.....”

“Ma'am, you're already involved. It'd be better for us if you could come in.”

“I'll have to think about it, Detective....”

“Is this a good number, if we need to, we can reach you back?”

“Yeah, sure.”




Billy disconnected the call, went to the memory, and erased it. The night was dark, she didn't think anyone was paying attention, but still better safe than sorry. As she walked along the sidewalk, she wiped the phone clean, dropping it into a trash can, and kept walking, not missing a step. As she turned the corner, she held up hand, hailing a cab. This side of town was definitely not for her.

Back in her apartment, she turned on the hot water, added some bath salts. What was that old commercial her mother used to say? Oh, yeah...  Calgon, take me away! She sighed. She'd had a long day, and she deserved a soak, she thought. She slipped out of her clothes and into the hot water.

Well, at least all of that nasty business had been taken care of. What a mess Linda turned out to be! Then, she'd had to do damage control, get her out of the way, and it wasn't nearly as hard this time. She did have to sacrifice her one of her best outfits, she really was going to miss her Louis, that's for sure. Next time, she pick up one of those cheap rainsuits, she just didn't own anything suitable for that kind of mess.

The easy part had been getting Max to go check on Linda, that meant framing him was easy too, and the police, the idiots were eating out of the palm of her hand. The hard part was the clean up, so many loose ends to tie up. And who would have guessed Max was so damn slippery? Murder, such a messy business, only to be done when absolutely necessary. She thought for a moment. Maybe she'd make that her new personal motto.




So, okay, a little dark, sociopathic...lol... but not too bad. Fun to play with...

Ciao!

Monday Morning Flash Fiction Challenge, Week 34

Good Monday Morning!!

Well, it's been a long weekend here, the weather was chilly Saturday, but so nice and warm on Sunday (75 degrees!!)... it would have been great if not for the tornadic winds!!!  LOL  Everytime I went outside, it looked like a bird's nest was resting of my head, a sea of brunette weeds swirling around my head... lol.

Since it's Monday... it must be time for...

Monday Morning Flash Fiction Challenge!!!

Today's lovely image is kind of different...., there are all kinds of story arcs to go with it. We've had a steady diet of kick-ass images lately.... hope this one isn't over the top and everyone enjoys it!!

Now, to see if I'll be able to come up with anything for it.... I've been have a bit of a dry spell lately imagination wise... 

Also, the lovely Anachronist made an awesome badge for our Fridays...!  If you'd like, you may post it as well...

The rules remain the same.... 350 words (or somewhere near it.... oh, what the hell, I haven't hit 350 in weeks... lol!!), come back Friday and post your flash!

There aren't any other rules... and the most important thing is to have fun, be creative, tell more a story that has me begging for more!!  Can't wait to see what everyone comes up with!

Have an awesome week!!!

Ciao!!

Monday Morning Flash Fiction Challenge, Week 33..... The Friday Post

Woah! This isn't Friday, is it??  Damn, I've forgotten to write my flash fiction again!! I've been so busy this week.... I can't believe I've completely forgotten. Yesterday, I could have sworn it was Friday, only to find out it was Thursday.... I'm all screwed up!!  LOLOL  It's just been one of those weeks!

Once more dear readers, you're going to get a flash written in moments, but I've tried to read through, correcting spelling and inconsistencies.  But, it is what it is...

Magic Most Foul, Part Three

By: Dottie Taylor

word count: 700

Kieran study the land before him, so different from where he was only moments before. Where was the battle? Keila? Where was he?

Everything was so green, the ground plush. He blinked his eyes and found himself lying into the long grass, moving his fingers through it. The blades caressing like a lover's touch.

Then, he flashed back, the battle surrounding him once more, his mind no longer his own as he felt another take it. His head pounded. How could this be?

Sera, his lover's sister stood over their queen, her mother's crown upon her sick head. Though his body didn't want to react to her's, he felt her pull. And when she touched him, he burned with horrified desire. She repulsed him and yet drew him. She laughed at his need, both to flee and to take. He felt the swirl of magic flow around him, and suddenly he knew. Sera had captured the old mage power, using him as it used her. She tinkled her fingers lightly over his flesh, heating it, and again she laughed.

“Oh, if my sister was here!” She called gleefully. “I will possess what she has claim for her own. Her crown, her consort, her love!” And she brought her body closer to his. Kieran's hand itched to touch her, but would he caress her or kill her? He felt his fingers tightening, kill her if given a choice, but his body was not his own, it was treacherous.

“Oh, but you want me..” She teased as she laughed, her scent filled his senses, and he knew if she gave her body at this moment, he would take it, cherish it even though it was Keila he desired. What was this horrible magic she wove to control him?

“Gods, what are you doing to me?” She stepped closer, and he buried his face in her hair. Gods, he wanted her.

“I'm taking my lover and consort, I'm taking what's mine.” She returned as her fingers move over his flesh, making him shiver.

“Then, come, let the foul deed be done, release me from this horrible desire.” He grounded out, his need override truth. He closed his eyes, his head dizzy with unclean arousal.

Once more, he felt his body pulled to find the green grass surrounding him. He sprang to his feet, determined not to return, not if it meant Sera would warm his bed. He began to rush through this strange new wilderness as he thought of Keila. How to find her, how to call her?

Off in the distance, a great gate stood open, and he quicken toward it. Someone stood before it, awaiting his approach. As the figure moved, long red hair floated out with the bristling wind making him hurry his pace. He was with 500 yards when he felt his body shift again. He tried futilely to grab ahold of this reality to keep it with him.

When again he opened his eyes, Keila stood before him, bloodied and battle ready. And in his hands was a short sword, glistening and deadly. Though he tried to halt it's swing, he growled out as it arced through the air with all the strength his body could bring. She easily deflected it, bringing back her battle ax to slam against his forehead. Blessed peace came to him then.

He shook himself awake to find the gate still before him, and the figure he'd seen in the distance, now hovering over his body. Keila! “My Gods, what is happening?!?” He cried as he clutched her body, planting kisses on her warm soft lips. “Please let this be truth, because I can't endure the other.”

She hurried him, pulling him to his feet. “Kieran, there is no time. I've killed my sister, but her soul has come home, it lingers, waiting to take you. I feel her even now. The After Lands are a tricky place, and neither of us are ready to reside here. We must leave, come, hurry!” She tugged his hand, but Kieran couldn't trust himself any longer. Was this merely another illusion? Or was Keila here to save his soul?



If you've chosen to play along, leave me a comment and I'll be by to take a peek! I hope you made as much fun with this image as I did... because I sure didn't think I would. As I sat this morning, I almost posted no flash today, but I couldn't and whipped this out instead. Once again, I've dedicated my first free hour to flash.

Remember to come back Monday for another edition of...

Monday Morning Flash Fiction Challenge!

If you have an image you'd like to flash for, please contact me!!  Thanks and thanks for playing along!

Have a great weekend!!

Ciao!