49. Coppola Cast #30: John Grisham's The Rainmaker (1997)

This episode we are joined by special guest Andras Jones (of Radio8ball and co-host of The World is Wrong podcast, along with Bryan) to discuss Francis Coppola’s adaptation of John Grisham’s The Rainmaker (1997). More than just a courtroom drama, this overlooked entry in Coppola’s filmography represents the end of a chapter for Coppola’s Hollywood career and provides a lot to discuss. We begin by going through the works of John Grisham on film, how they changed the legal thriller and courtroom drama, and how The Rainmaker stands apart even from other Grisham novels and films. Then we move on to The Rainmaker and its amazing cast, Coppola’s approach to working with the actors, how Coppola channels Frank Capra, why The Rainmaker reminds us of The Godfather, and much more. This episode’s Coppola wines were: Rosso & Bianco Pinot Grigio and Diamond Collection Cabernet Sauvignon 2018. This week’s non-Coppola wine was: Wycliff Brut Champagne. 

6:00 The Rainmaker plot summary & reactions

15:15 Grisham on film

56:35 The Rainmaker discussion

25. Coppola Cast #7: Finian's Rainbow (1968)

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! It’s only appropriate that Bryan and A. J. discuss Frances Coppola’s roadshow musical flop Finian’s Rainbow. There’s so much wrong with this movie we don’t have much time for tangents. We talk about the death of the Hollywood musical, how this movie led to the friendship of Coppola and George Lucas, Bryan singles out the funniest moment in the movie, and A.J. compares this movie to Mallrats. The movie was a slog to watch but fun to talk about. Enjoy! This episode’s Coppola wine was: Coppola-Becker Unita Blend Cabernet Sauvignon 2017.