The Rainmaker (1997)

In 1995 the O’Keefe family business began to experience financial trouble. To keep them afloat, they agreed to a deal with a rival Canadian corporation. When the deal hits a snag, Jeremiah O’Keefe(Tommy Lee Jones) decides to sue them. He hires Willie Gary(Jamie Foxx), a flamboyant attorney who hasn’t lost a case in 12 years. The Canadians, in-turn, hire a team of African-American attorneys led by Mame Downes (Jurnee Smollett-Bell). It initially goes well but there are some dramatic blunders and surprises before the final outcome.

“The Burial” is an Afrocentric version of “The Rainmaker”, complete with all the sentimentality of a ‘David V. Goliath’ tale. This film differentiates itself from other courtroom-based films by accentuating African-American culture, giving it a rich distinctiveness that adds to its flavor like hot sauce on the potato salad.

Set in the South, it explores racial themes with abandon, setting up more than a few tense scenes between the characters. It isn’t the likes of a “Selma” but it arrests your viewing pleasure and makes you take notice.

Foxx is at his best delivering his usual brilliant performance. His portrayal of a southern, Black attorney is tasteful and well executed. Too often in these biopics the acting can feel forced and uncomfortable. Not so with Foxx. He does an excellent job of portraying such a charismatic personality without turning into a caricature, channeling Willie Gary with ease.