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Written by: John Grisham (novel), Francis Ford Coppola (screenplay), Michael Herr (narration)
Directed by: Francis Ford Coppola
Starring: Matt Damon, Claire Danes, Jon Voight, Danny Glover, Mary Kay Place, Mickey Rourke, Danny DeVito
Rated: PG-13
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Plot
A Memphis law school graduate battles an insurance giant.
Verdict
This makes rooting for the underdog so satisfying. Rudy is fresh out of school and idealistic, fighting for a case because it's the right thing to do. We instantly like him because he's hardworking and earnest. Rudy is battling a large, arrogant firm that dismisses him for being young before the case even begins. That sets the stage, and when Rudy manages even a small victory in court it's a triumphant moment. One could argue it's formulaic, but when you get the formula perfect there's no room for complaint.
Watch It.
Review
This is the sixth movie based on a John Grisham book. It's no coincidence that a shark weaves through the movie title considering this is a movie about lawyers and insurance companies.
Rudy needs a job, having worked his way through law school. All he can get is working for a ruthless ambulance chaser, "Bruiser Stone" (Mickey Rourke ). He's introduced to Deck (Danny DeVito) the paralegal. Deck has failed to pass the bar six times, but he's a good investigator. They solicit business by going to the hospital looking for clients. Rudy doesn't like it, but he also needs the job.
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| Matt Damon plays Rudy Baylor |
It's in the hospital that Rudy falls for Kelly (Claire Danes). She's there because her husband put her there. It's a frequent occurrence, and he urges her to leave.
Deck grows concerned that "Bruiser" will be arrested, and he proposes he and Rudy open their own firm after a big commission. Rudy reluctantly agrees, and gets to argue his first case when "Bruiser" disappears. While the judge scolds him for not being licensed in the state, the defense, led by Drummond (Jon Voight) is quick to admit Rudy anyway, seeing an easy victory. The judge seems biased for the defense, that or he wants to save Rudy some embarrassment. Either way, Rudy is committed to fight for his client. When the judge passes away, Rudy gets a judge that's much more amenable to the case.
This insurance company has a dozen lawyers to fight this case with decades more experience. From the start they think Rudy will fold, but he's fighting for a client whose claim was denied. When Rudy tries to depose employees of the insurance company, they're conveniently no longer employed.
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| Matt Damon plays Rudy Baylor |
Rudy is out of his depth and he knows it, but he doesn't mind playing the game. When Drummond's people bug his phone, Rudy forms a plan to exploit them. That's a wonderful scene when Rudy finds a way to get an advantage against these high priced sell outs. Drummond is certain Rudy has tampered with the jury and Rudy knows exactly why he thinks that.
Rudy is fighting Goliath, and we're instantly on his side. Deck's investigative work turns up the claims agent to bolster the case. Even "Bruiser" provides timely legal advice. If you want a courtroom drama with a moral center, this young lawyer seeking justice, fighting the large corporation that valued profits over life does a fantastic job. This hits all the right story beats.
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