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Summary: A great Sodherberg movie
Review: This was Julia Roberts best movie. The Academy awards weremean to her the past years and finally came around and gave her an oscar for her brilliant performance.
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Summary: Watch and enjoy - but it's not Silkwood
Review: [Take 1] This is a fine movie about the triumph of a determined woman who fights sexism and snobbery in a worthy battle against the harmful results of corporate greed and government apathy (or is that deregulation?). [Take 2] This is an in-your-face story about a selfish woman's pursuit of personal success that incidentally benefits a worthy cause. [Conclusion] Watch it. Decide for yourself. It's a good movie. The modern production values make it a better watch than Silkwood. But it's much more a 90s triumph of personal self-promotion than a 70s battle of good against evil - and that's a shame.
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Summary: Julia at her peak performaance
Review: The movie based on a true story ,Erin (Julia Roberts) who cant find a job until luck smiles at her when she work with an attorney Ed (Albert Finney) & then she investigate about the poisoned water case & how that will effect her total life . a wonderful acting perfomance of the cast & also a nice story ,a Drama type movie. If you like this movie try these also : Civil action, The Accused, A time to kill
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Summary: Well made but nevertheless standard Hollywood fare.
Review: I did enjoy watching this film. It's well made, well acted and well edited. Unfortunately, to some extent it felt like a 'painting-by-numbers' exercise. EB recounts the unlikely story of an unemployed, divorced mother who talks her way into a clerical job, spots an anomoly in an - apparently minor - real estate deal and goes on to successfully sue a large conglomerate for a record sum. What is unusual about this film is that story, though unlikely, is based in fact and the film direction largely avoids the usual clichés of painting all the characters as heroes and villians. In fact, other than a couple of minor characters there are no 'baddies' in the film at all. The story concentrates more on the efforts of 'little people' to get on with their lives and what happens when they come up against the apparently immovable bulk of a multi-million dollar organization that is damaging their lives. Albert Finney certainly excels as the lawyer but the casting of Julia Roberts, a major, rich and confident Hollywood star, as EB, a harrased, divorced, poor and unemployed mother, was risky. It's a credit to her acting ability that she largely manages to carry it off. It wasn't until I saw the interview with EB (on the DVD) that I realised how well she did. The DVD contains many deleted scenes, both as filmed and also with a talk-over by the director Steven Sonderberg. Seeing what he cut out of the film and hearing why is a wonderful insight into the background of both the film and the original (true) story. It is such extras that really elevate the DVD over the video. Vince O'Sullivan.
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Summary: Usual Hollywood Fare
Review: A femininist variation of an old film cliche- the unlikely hero going to desperate battle against the big evil organization, with usual dilemmas about family and loved ones. Roberts helself did an erlier variant on this in Pelican Brief, albeit in a relatively low key.
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Summary: ERIN BROCKOVICH IS SASSY AND BRASSY...
Review: This is a very entertaining, well directed movie with an excellent performance by Albert Finney and a notable one by Julia Roberts who plays the title role of Erin Brockovich. The rest of the cast, likewise, give excellent performances. The story is a compelling one. A down and out single mother of three young children, Erin Brockovich, gets into an auto accident. Her personal injury suit goes down the tubes, when she alienates the jury with her checkered past and salty language. Angry and desperate, she bullies her lawyer, Ed Masry, disarmingly played by Albert Finney, into hiring her, after he loses her personal injury case. He does so, to the consternation of his other employees. You see, Erin marches to the beat of a different drummer. She dresses like a tramp and talks like a longshoreman. Which only goes to show you, that one should never judge a book by its cover. Beneath the vulgar exterior, lies a steel trap mind, which Erin put to good use when she goes through a pro bono real estate case, only to discover that there is more to the real estate transaction than meets the eye, a whole lot more. Intrigued by the fact that extensive medical records are included in the real estate transaction paperwork and wondering why that should be, Erin lets her natural curiosity and interest in people prevail. She goes about and investigates the matter. What she ultimately discovers is that toxic waste is very clearly affecting the quality of life of the inhabitants of the town of Hinckley, California. It appears that the utilities giant Pacific Gas and Electric has been letting highly toxic chromium seep into the ground, affecting the water which the inhabitants of the town use. The utilities giant has compounded the problem by telling the townspeople that they should not worry about a little chromium, despite the high incidence of cancer and other illnesses which abound in Hinckley. Erin, outraged on behalf of the townspeople, discovers through her research and investigation that Pacific Gas and Electric knew about the toxicity of the Chromium, but continued with business as usual and set about deceiving the unsuspecting townspeople to their ultimate detriment. Eager to right a serious wrong, Erin persuades her employer, small time lawyer, Ed Masry, to take on this big time case. This ultimately leads to one of the largest monetary class action settlements in history. This is a true life David and Goliath story. Julia Roberts gives a sassy and brassy performance. Albert Finney does his part justice, as the beleagured small practitioner who decides to do the right thing, even though it could end to his detriment. His low key performance is a perfect foil to that of Julia Roberts'. It makes for a film well worth watching.
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Summary: Excellent!
Review: This is definately a high-point in Julia Roberts' career. I could have done without the language, but the movie itself was inspiring. I enjoyed it because it showed that even when it seems you're down on your luck, you may stumble into something that can change your life and make all that stumbling worthwhile. The most inspiring thing about this movie is that it's a true story. This movie is a must-see. I highly recommend it.
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Summary: OUTSTANDING!
Review: This movie was the best of the five nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture. It has everything you want in a film. It stays with you long after you've seen it the first time, and it holds up after repeated watching. Julia is superb! Where Roger Ebert said he kept remembering that she was Julia Roberts and it got in his way, I thought she really lost her "self" in the part. I'd have given it the award. I'm glad I bought it. Have you got more stars I can give it?
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Summary: A moving film with a talented cast.
Review: "Erin Brockovich" is one of those movies that makes you stand up and cheer. Based on the true story of the real Erin Brockovich's law battle with a major corporation, director Steven Soderbergh and actress Julia Roberts bring the events of the movie to life in an unclichéd, refreshing discourse that is a delight on the eyes and both humorous and dramatic. Soderbergh handles the material in his usual way, filming it with new and evoking techniques, and Roberts, scantily clad but immensely intelligent, proves to audiences and the world that she has matured since her days in "Pretty Woman," playing the role with in a strikingly serious manner that anchors the rest of the plot. As the story begins, Erin is down on her luck, trying to find a well-paying job to support her three kids. After an auto collision leaves her broke with lawyer's fees, she demands that her lawyer, Ed Masry, give her a job in return for losing her case. As she begins working, she discovers some files that seem out of place, and upon further investigation and interviews with several residents of the small town of Hinkley, she uncovers a major coverup involving a major corporation that could mean a major lawsuit that will bring the small firm down or earn it enough money to make a name for itself. The first thing that must be discussed is the incredible performance from actress Julia Roberts, who brings Erin's character to life in such a way that we find ourselves so moved by her performance as the final credits roll. She brings with her all her old tricks, that sweet charm that makes her one of Hollywood's most valuable stars to date. She is vivacious and and brutal in this role, establishing the fact that Erin is a force to be reckoned with. The movie establishes the many traits of Erin right from the beginning of the film, introducing us to her as someone who is hard-working and willing to earn her keep. Her willingness to work is also a testament to her strong devotion to her children, whom she must support on her own. She is also fiesty and outspoken, as shown during her court debate when she comes under cross-examination: "That a**hole smashed in my f***ing neck!" Erin is strong-willed and a leader in this film, which is a brilliant testament to the real life figure. Erin is also smart and intelligent when it comes to deciphering the many nuances of the case that falls into her lap. From the beginning, when she first senses something is not right, she knows enough to question certain residents of Hinkley about their involvement with Pacific Gas and Electric, and the reasons for their illnesses and diseases. Not taking anything for an answer other than "yes," she pushes her way through all the barriers to come out on top, all the while surviving the troubles of her own personal life and coming out on top as a real person we can all look up to and admire for their strength and courage. There is a nice bond that develops between Erin and her boss, Ed Masry, who is hesitant to hire her from the beginning. His pity for her, though, clouds his judgement, and he takes her on, soon realizing that he is in over his head with a lawsuit that could mean the end of his career and his financial security. Their many arguments over this and other things concerning the case are intriguing to watch, some adding light moments of comical humor, others advancing the plot to the next level. The human emotion and drama of this story and brought to full view in this film, always keeping with the fact that these are real people who experienced these events. Erin's interaction with these characters, and her devotion to their cause as well as her own is inspiring and ambitious. Soon, her cause becomes nothing but concern for their victory, and Roberts brings this change of events to life. Her reactions to changes in the case, things going wrong, and the way in which her character handles them, are all convincing and authentic, and this keeps us involved with the moving story and the developments at hand. Steven Soderbergh's treatment of this material is brilliant, setting his work high above the mark of good and making this movie one of the best movies of 2000. The way in which he handles Erin's story is one of fluidity and constant plot development, whether it have to do with the lawsuit or with Erin's personal life and her involvement with Ed, who takes care of her children. He is able to combine all of Erin's emotions and balance them against the true story of the people she defends in her pursuit of the truth, which makes us feel for them as well as for the losses she suffers because of her efforts. There are a good deal of shots in the film that give it the look and feel of a typical Soderbergh film, showcasing his use of Steadycam, giving the film a true-to-life perspective which keeps it more involving without putting off the audience. Alongside the star power of Julia Roberts is a brilliant supporting cast that have their own roles and key parts in the film. Albert Finney plays Ed Masry, Erin's boss and friend, who comes to learn the true value of her work as the movie progresses. He and Roberts have a nice workplace chemistry that gives life to the movie's lawsuit plotline, while also keeping it more touching and emotional. Aaron Eckhart plays George, Erin's next door neighbor and boyfriend, who is given a lot of time onscreen to develop into a terrific supporting character. His moments with the children are moving, establishing him as a father figure, while his relationship with Erin is complicated because of her work, bringing them to a crossroads. Their chemistry is convincing and believable, and provides some nice bits of romance for the movie without taking it under. In "Erin Brockovich," all the stops are pulled out, and history is given a quite refreshing treatment that is humorous, emotionally moving, and involving all in one package of short skirts and high heels. In reality, Julia Roberts is what makes this movie work, bringing her charisma and charm to the movie with the same intensity and credibility she carries in her previous roles. Stand back, because the Pretty Woman has grown up, and she's back with an attitude and a brain to match it.
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Summary: Succeeds where so many others have Failed.
Review: When a film about a Trial against a big Crooked Company comes out, the makers usually stock the film with Action, Suspense and Big Courtroom Showdowns. (eg, "The Rainmaker") But when such a film has to stick to the facts, it can sometimes be quite boring. (eg, "A Civil Action") "Erin Brockovich" is an Exception. It has very little Suspense, Action and Courtroom scenes but still manages to Excite and Entertain much more than it's Peers. Julia Roberts is at her Prime as the Feisty Crusader for the People. Her Oscar winning performance is Perfect in every way. Honest, Touching and Sexy, she gives it her all. She is Well Supported by Aaron Eckhart as her Love Interest and Albert Finney as her Boss. The Pacing is Perfect, providing plenty of time for Character Development, without ever getting boring. Steven Soderbergh's Direction is Right on the Money and Julia's Wardrobe gets a Definite 2 Thumbs Up. An all round Classic.
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