very very good

Rating: Null/10 (21 April 2000)

There have been quite a few true-to-life movies made in the past year and a half and most have been fairly mediocre in the entertainment department. What can I say about this movie? Well, nothing bad if that's what you're wondering. Julia Roberts' enormous on screen presence and her trademark billion watt smile could have potentially overshadowed the story and everyone else in this movie...but it didn't. This movie was entertaining from start to finish.
Erin Brockovich (played by Julia Roberts) is a single mom down on her luck. Despite repeated efforts to land a job she always ends up being rejected. She has a very minimalist way of dress and her skills in the social graces department are a little on the lacking side but her determination and resourcefulness ultimately land her a job with a law firm. Not too soon after her employment she begins to work on a case. What should have been a routine file/case prep turns out to be something more. After a little research, Brockovich discovers many peculiarities about the case and, with her boss's permission, begins to look into matters a little deeper. Despite her appearances, this woman is obviously very bright. She is not above using questionable means to get what she needs and will not take any bullying from anyone, including her boss. As her investigation continues she discovers that a large corporation is trying to cover-up their illegal dumping practices by offering to buy all the property surrounding one of their plants. Hundreds of people who live in the area are inflicted with life threatening diseases and Erin discovers that the two are not unrelated. The rest of the story depicts the progression of the case but beyond the case, you will find yourself riveted to this woman's dynamic and interesting character.
Although the movie focuses around Brockovich's work on this case, the director does an even better job showing this woman's personality. You see this woman pass through the whole gamut of emotions and her effect on those around her. Having never met the real Brockovich, I have no frame of reference but if Roberts' performance is any indication, this is one interesting lady. I've seen most of Roberts' films and I have to say without a doubt, this is her best work yet. Unfortunately this movie came out a little late or I believe you have seen Julia Roberts' name listed as one of the Oscar nomination for "Best Female Actor".
This movie wouldn't have been anywhere near this good if Roberts' didn't have an excellent supporting cast. This is especially the case for two actors, Albert Finney (plays Ed Masry - Brockovich's boss) and Aaron Eckly (plays George - Brockovich's boyfriend). Quite a bit of the more emotional scenes that Roberts is involved in includes one of these two actors and I found them to be very well done. Especially the chemistry that supposedly exists between Brockovich and her boss, Masry. This definitely shone through in the movie in particular the ending. You'll know what I'm talking about.
I can't say enough good things about this movie. There's something here for everyone and the nice thing about this movie is that it does a good job telling the story but also developing the characters. Go see it.
A