Entertaining Vehicle for Julia Roberts.

Rating: 8/10 (19 May 2008)

Julia Roberts is the star in this based-on-a-true story film, "Erin Brockovich". It's a classic "David and Goliath" tale, that pits one woman against a huge corporation. Erin Brockovich (Roberts) is a single mother of three, with little money and plenty of attitude. As she takes a job as a secretary in a law firm, headed by former lawyer Ed Masry (Albert Finney), she discovers the horrors taking place in the small town of Hinkley. The water has been contaminated, and has altered the lives of these working class people. Brockovich makes it her mission to take down PG&E (the corporation responsible for the contamination) and she and Masry, with the 637 Hinkley residents, go toe to toe with the corporate giant in court.
Clearly, this is a vehicle for Julia Roberts, first and foremost. The character of Brockovich, the journey she goes on and the growth she experiences from helping people and making a difference is the main focus of the film. However, Roberts truly proves her acting skills and that she's more than a box office draw and a megawatt smile. Julia is known for taking on the "girl next door"-esquire roles. Even her breakthrough role as a prostitute in "Pretty Woman" was written as the nicest prostitute you'll ever meet. But, Erin Brockovich is a grittier character. She swears and struts her way through the scenery, chewing out those who challenge her and shocking more conservative types with her revealing wardrobe. Although she often comes off tough and provocative, it is also made clear that Erin has a warm heart. Her determination and defiance comes from an honest desire to help make her life and her kids' lives better. She also makes an emotional connection with the plaintiffs, seeing them less as clients and more as an extended family. The way Julia creates a nice balance between Erin's strong and soft side and makes her a complex character truly proves her talent. Her Best Actress Oscar was well deserved, in my opinion.
Of course, there are other well played characters in this film as well. Albert Finney makes the contrast between his Ed Masry character and Erin Brockovich clear. He's conservative, she's over the top. He plays it safe, she makes her own rules. He thinks in a more business-like lawyer fashion, while she distrusts lawyers and tends to think with her heart (which helps her relate to the plaintiffs). As Erin's foil, it is clear that these two can learn from each other and as the film progresses they do. Aaron Eckhart is Erin's boyfriend George, who begins to feel inadequate when constantly playing Mr. Mom to Erin's kids, and Marg Helgenberger as one of the standout Hinkley plaintiffs. It is Erin's show, but the supporting characters help her to figure out more about herself and the world around her.
All in all, the film is a pretty standard genre. Even the director, Steven Soderbergh, shoots in a straightforward (but visually rich) fashion. Nothing too suspenseful, as we all know what's going to happen in the end (or else the movie wouldn't be made). But, the story is entertaining and the acting is excellent. And when you get down to it, that's all most movies need.