Decent flick but not Oscar-worthy Roberts

Rating: Null/10 (9 April 2001)

I won't bash this film entirely because it does have some redeeming qualities. I truly enjoyed watching Albert Finney again. His befuddled reaction to the bulldozer known as Erin is priceless. I really enjoyed watching him at work. His subtle performance is the main reason to watch this flick. I'm now ready to go see his work in "Traffic."
As for Julia Roberts, it was a one-note performance of indignance and "the world owes me" rhetoric. I got rather tired of her "hands on her hips" tirades after a while. We all make our own decisions and Brokovich made hers. If I had been her biker boyfriend, I would have said "see ya" a long time ago. Getting respect from your peers is wonderful but if your kids don't respect you, who cares?
I don't deny the fact Roberts is a good actress. But she's done much better in other roles, even "Pretty Woman." I felt the same way about Helen Hunt's oscar in "As Good As It Gets". Decent acting but worthy of accolades? Hardly.
This film also drags in many spots. It would have made a great HBO movie but that's about it.