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Movies / On DVD / The Rainmaker
The Rainmaker

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The Rainmaker (1997)

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Reviews Counted:26

Fresh:23

Rotten:3

Average Rating:7.2/10

Runtime: 2 hrs 17 mins

Genre: Dramas

Synopsis: John Grisham's THE RAINMAKER is adapted to film in this suspenseful retelling by Francis Ford Coppola. In Memphis, struggling young attorney Rudy Baylor (Matt Damon) joins a shady law firm headed... John Grisham's THE RAINMAKER is adapted to film in this suspenseful retelling by Francis Ford Coppola. In Memphis, struggling young attorney Rudy Baylor (Matt Damon) joins a shady law firm headed by Bruiser Stone (Mickey Rourke). After the firm comes under investigation, Rudy and fellow employee Deck Schifflet (Danny DeVito) start their own practice. While trying to dig up clients, Rudy meets a young spousal abuse victim, Kelly Riker (Claire Danes), and convinces her to leave her husband (Andrew Shue). But Rudy's biggest case is defending a young man (Johnny Whitworth) dying of leukemia and his mother (Mary Kay Place) against the insurance company who wrongfully denied their claim. Rudy and Deck find that their opposing lawyers, led by Leo Drummond (Jon Voight), have bugged their offices. Despite his inexperience, Rudy cleverly manages to get an undesirable juror (musician Randy Travis in a cameo role) removed from the jury. During testimony Rudy uncovers proof that the insurance company has a practice of denying all claims. As his relationship with Kelly takes a dangerous turn and the trial uncovers more insurance fraud, it seems Rudy must decide between being a good man or being a good lawyer. [More]

Starring: Matt Damon, Danny DeVito, Claire Danes, Jon Voight

Starring: Matt Damon, Danny DeVito, Claire Danes, Jon Voight, Mary Kay Place, Dean Stockwell, Teresa Wright, Virginia Madsen, Mickey Rourke, Andrew Shue, Red West, Johnny Whitworth, Wayne Emmons, Adrian Roberts, Roy Scheider, Randy Travis, Michael Girardin, Randall King, Justin Ashforth, Michael Keys Hall, Danny Glover

Director: Francis Ford Coppola

Director: Francis Ford Coppola
Screenwriter: Francis Ford Coppola
Producer: Steven Reuther
Composer: Elmer Bernstein
Story: John Grisham

[See More Credits]

Reviews for The Rainmaker

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41 - 48 (sorted by date; UK critics are listed first)
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Voight proves again what a great character actor he's become by stealing the film as a country club-type defense lawyer with a julep tongue.

comment Comment
01/01/00
Mike Clark
Mike Clark
USA Today

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Full Review Source: Chicago Sun-Times | comment Comment
01/01/00
Roger Ebert
Roger Ebert
Chicago Sun-Times
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Full Review Source: Austin Chronicle | comment Comment
01/01/00
Russell Smith
Russell Smith
Austin Chronicle

Surprisingly strong Grisham tale.

Full Review Source: eFilmCritic.com | comment Comment
01/01/00
Scott Weinberg
Scott Weinberg
eFilmCritic.com
N/R

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Full Review Source: New Republic | comment Comment
01/01/00
Stanley Kauffmann
Stanley Kauffmann
New Republic

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Full Review Source: Internet Reviews | comment Comment
01/01/00
Steve Rhodes
Steve Rhodes
Internet Reviews

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Full Review Source: Detroit News | comment Comment
01/01/00
Susan Stark
Susan Stark
Detroit News
N/R

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Full Review Source: Urban Cinefile | comment Comment
01/01/00
Urban Cinefile Critics
Urban Cinefile Critics
Urban Cinefile
 
 
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