"I'm not a lawyer. I hate lawyers. I just work for 'em." Erin Brockovich
By Ross Anthony
If the poster of Julia, babe in arm, strawberry-pocked halter-top popping them two assets forward, hardworking blue-collar lips ready to launch a stream of obscenities from the roughened-heart reminds you of a trashy Sharon Stone in "Gloria"; fear not. "Erin Brockovich" is a fine production. In fact, why isn't Julie Roberts on the Academy's list? She's simply awesome.
A cross between "A Civil Action" and "Howard Stern" in drag, "Erin Brockovich" graces the screen with the difficult balance of heart, tragedy and hard-hitting pottie-mouthed humor. In fact, the film's only dips from divinity occur during a couple of segments that postpone Erin's lightning-charged tongue. It's her sharp lingua determined to cut though any BS, which sets fly sparks. Her mouth is as refreshing as an ice cold shower; it's sure to send hilarious jolts of truth through audiences around the country.
Divorced twice, raising three kids, one-time Miss Wichita proves that credentials and high-power suits play second fiddle to heart and brains. Dressed like one of Charlie's Angles, busty waitress Brockovich and her mouth take on big corporate lawyers in a case involving a small town's polluted water supply.
This strong script along with its gritty dialogue still may have fallen short even with Roberts' lead if not for some great supporting actors. Albert Finney's patience and expertise complement Roberts' fiery passion. Aaron Eckhart is both charming and real as love-interest-on-a-Harley.
The story is based on the real life exploits of one Erin Brockovich. If you're curious to see what she looks like, Erin cameos as a greasy-spoon waitress during a short segment near the beginning of the picture. In my particular screening, a handful of viewers greeted her brief appearance with a clap or two. By the end of the film, this audience of critics gave the entire production a round of applause.
Erin Brockovich. Copyright © 2000. Rated R. Starring Julia Roberts, Albert Finney, Aaron Eckhart. Directed by Steven Soderbergh. Written by Susannah Grant. Produced at Jersey/Columbia/Universal.
Grade..........................A-
-- Copyright © 2000. Ross Anthony, currently based in Los Angeles, has scripted and shot documentaries, music videos, and shorts in 35 countries across North America, Europe, Africa and Asia. For more reviews visit: http://RossAnthony.com
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