Matthew McConnaghey plays a defense lawyer with an array of shady clients amongst the criminal fraternity of Los Angeles. However his life gets complicated when he is hired to defend a rich kid accused of rape.
McConnaghey I generally find an unappealing actor, someone who's career is predominantly marked by a series of forgettable films through which he sleep walks. However in this film he actually acts, and acts well, presenting a credible portrayal of a likeable man who maintains his decency, and many of his principles, in spite of making a career defending the guilty. His scenes with Marissa Tomei and William H Macy are beautifully played conveying the depth of feeling and history amongst the characters. Ryan Phillippe, a very underrated actor in my opinion, as the client, displays once more his range and talent as a man who may, or may not, be guilty.
The plot is satisfingly twisty while retaining its intelligiblity. Overall the movie is a professionally done, highly entertaining piece of work, composed of good writing, good acting and unfussy direction, the combination of which are disappointingly rare these days.