Julia Roberts rules!

Rating: 9/10 (17 April 2000)

Nineteen members of the Film Society of Greater Kansas City's Film Discussion Group ranked "Erin Brockovich" number two of the four films discussed this year. The median score was 3.2 (out of 4.0) and the mean was 3.01. Surprisingly, the range of scores fluctuated wildly. Two members rated the film below a 2.0, and two others gave it a perfect 4.0.
Much of the discussion concerned the accuracy of the film when compared to the real-life events that spawned it. Also, one member circulated articles from the Wall Street Journal that debunk the claims by the real Erin Brockovich that Chromium 6 caused great harm to the people of the town of Hinkley, Calif.
Most of the group enjoyed the chemistry between the two lead performers (Julia Roberts and Albert Finney), appreciated the David and Goliath plot line, and found interesting the enigmatic nature of a woman who dresses like a slut but demonstrates competency as a legal investigator. Other modern themes about the nature of women in the workplace, and role reversal in child-care made the film stand above other courtroom dramas.