The Rainmaker (1997) / Drama-Thriller

MPAA Rated: PG-13 for a strong beating and elements of domestic abuse
Running Time: 135 min.

Cast: Matt Damon, Danny DeVito, Claire Danes, Jon Voight, Mickey Rourke, Mary Kay Place
Director: Francis Ford Coppola
Screenplay: Francis Ford Coppola (based on the novel by John Grisham)
Review published December 10, 1998

A young lawyer (Damon, Courage Under Fire) goes to work for a crooked ambulance-chasing firm, and tries not to drown in his first case against a highly successful insurance company and their formidable team of lawyers. The company refused to pay for a bone marrow transplant even though the operation was needed or their client would die. The lawyer also finds love, when trying to protect a battered woman (Danes, U Turn) from an overly abusive husband.

Matt Damon proves here he's an actor to watch with a terrific performance as the ambitious and upright young lawyer, with a supporting cast that's every bit as good as well. Coppola (The Godfather, Part II) directs in a straight-forward style that is effective in many scenes and too subdued in others. Immensely enjoyable, but the ending lacked the punch it needed to send it over the top.

Qwipster's rating:

©1997 Vince Leo