Erin Brockovich

Rating:
Summary: Ms. Roberts shows great maturity in an awesome performance!
Review: Erin Brockovich VHS~ Julia Roberts shows in this movie how much she has improved as an actress since her sub par acting in Pretty Woman. This movie is both funny, heartwarming, a tear jerker and smart; which is very rare nowadays when movies for the most have one of these aspects and then fail miserably in the other compartments. I would even go as far as to say that Ms. Roberts's performance is worthy of a nomination for the academy awards. What I base this one is the fact that Julia Roberts manages to become the role; she does such a commendable job that I sometimes have to remind myself that after all she is playing a part in a movie and that her real name is not Erin Brockovich.

Rating:
Summary: Dynamic Roberts At Her Very Best
Review: A tenacious file clerk for a small law firm, curious about some information included in the file of a pro bono case, purses it and ultimately becomes a major player in a huge lawsuit involving hundreds of people in "Erin Brockovich," a movie based on actual events, directed by Steven Soderbergh. When Erin (Julia Roberts) questions why medical records are included in the file of a simple real estate transaction between a public utilities company and some homeowners in the town of Hinckley, California, she uncovers information that PG&E may have been responsible for water pollution that may have caused widespread illness and even death among the citizens of Hinckley. But truth is one thing, and having the resources to fight a company worth billions of dollars is another. And that's the problem that falls into the lap of lawyer Ed Masry (Albert Finney), owner of the law firm that employs Brockovich. Millions of dollars, as well as justice for those who have been harmed is at stake, but it's a case of David versus Goliath, and Masry has reservations as to whether or not he is up to the task; the meager resources of his firm will only go so far, while the utility could tie them up in court for years and not feel a thing. Masry, however, has something else to consider: Erin Brockovich, who has latched on to this case harder than a pit bull on a mailman's trousers. Julia Roberts gives one of the best performances of her career in this film, as the sassy, brazen Brockovich, who tells it like it is and won't take "no" for an answer. She captures ever grain of realism in bringing Erin's story to life; this woman who was down on her luck, but refused to give in to circumstances that overwhelmingly stacked the odds against her. She perfectly conveys the sense of frustration felt by this single mother of three who, unemployed, and with no help or prospects in sight, simply would not quit on her own life or let her children down. It's a gritty, charismatic performance with a depth that aptly demonstrates what kind of person Brockovich really is; not a portrait of a superwoman or a story made up of overblown, feigned heroics, but of a self-assured, very real person with too much pride and integrity to turn away from the truth and people in need. Albert Finney is also outstanding as Masry, the honest, hard working lawyer who finds his horizons somewhat expanded by Erin's zeal. He's something of a decent, regular guy with a good marriage, small but successful practice and diabetes. And Finney brings him to life with a performance that should get him an Oscar nomination at the very least. It's tough taking the part of an average Joe and making him memorable, and it's a credit to Finney's ability as an actor that he succeeds so well in doing so. The solid supporting cast includes Aaron Eckhart, exemplary in his role of George, the man in Erin's life; Marg Helgenberger (Donna Jensen); Cherry Jones (Pamela Duncan); Peter Coyote (Kurt Potter); and Conchata Ferrell (Brenda). One of the best movies of the year, "Erin Brockovich" is a well made, absorbing and entertaining drama, well directed and superbly acted, especially by Roberts and Finney; it's theme of the underdog fighting for justice has a universal appeal that will get the adrenaline pumping and engage you emotionally. It's a great story, with Julia Roberts at her very best. This is one you do not want to miss.

Rating:
Summary: Sans hyperbole...NOT boring courtroom drama
Review: Many reviewers will compare Julia Roberts's performance to her more popular films, but stating that this is her best film since "Pretty Woman" would gloss over how unique a film experience "Erin Brockovich" (DVD) is. Having never been a fan of Roberts, I avoided the theatrical release only to be extraordinarily surprised upon seeing it by how well she served the role. Roberts delivers her usual charisma, but also brings an unexpectedly believeable balance of strength and tenderness. Brockovich is a broke single mother who achieved a sort of excellence out of desperation, hunger, and necessity. Roberts's Brockovich is an admirably flawed and driven woman who bludgeons men with her bravado and sexuality without any false neo-feminism nor teary-eyed victimhood so obligatory in female lead roles.

Brockovich is real, fighting the "big polluter", yet director Soderberg manages to give the viewer all they need to have genuine empathy for Brockovich without preaching the virtue of the small town and the single mother versus the implacable corporate entity. No, forget the movie-of-the-week conventions. Similar to "A Civil Action", EB is character driven from Finney's reluctant boss, the chameleon-like Aaron Eckhart's long suffering boyfriend to Marg Hegenberger's horrified realization at the swimming pool. This film depicts how the law works for real people without boring courtroom drama.

The DVD does not contain flashy special effects, but its many outtake scenes and commentary add depth to the characters. Viewing the extra scenes lends a greater appreciation for the real life Brockovich's determination, Roberts's delivery (alternately understated and explosive), and director Soderberg's commentary on editing choices. The supplemental features in the DVD version are more valuable than many other titles' self congratulatory "behind the scenes" documentaries.

Rating:
Summary: INTENSE. PACKED WITH SUSPENSE AND CHARM!
Review: A dynamic young woman with three children, "down on her luck" manages to regain her balance, and her life in this past-paced, hard-hitting film. Julia Roberts is excellent as this feisty survivor, taking on a mean major corporation, lawyers, and a handsome Harley Davidson biker. Of course, she wins. By the way this is based on the true real heroine, alive and well in the USA, the real Erin Brockovich. Kudos to this lady who fought a gigantic battle for so many and won. See this film, and weep and cheer.

Rating:
Summary: umm...
Review: Erin Brockovich was not one of Julia Roberts best movies. She does better in emotional and more romantic movies. She did her best job, in my opinion, in the movie Pretty Woman.

Rating:
Summary: An excellent role for Roberts.
Review: Julia Roberts gives a one of a kind performace as Erin Brockovich, a woman who won`t quit in helping to solve the problems, she has face with it. Since the film is based on a true story, makes the very believable in the situations, thanks to a good cast like Albert Finney(Wolfen), Aaron Eckhart(In the company of Men), Mary Helgenberger(Species) and Peter Coyote(E.T.) in a small role. The film is well written by Susannah Grant(28 Days) and well directed by Steven Soderbergh(Out of Sight).

DVD has good extras:Almost 30 Minutes of Deleted Scenes with an separated commentary track by the director. Behind the scenes featurette, a small interview with the real Erin Brockovich, good production notes and a little more supplements. A real keeper to own to your collection on DVD. Roberts best role since Pretty Woman.

Rating:
Summary: Who to Believe? What to Believe?
Review: As is so often the case with a film based on a real person, this film continues to be at the center of controversy. I have no idea how "true" its screenplay is and now comment on the film itself. First off, I think Roberts's acting is solid but hardly worthy of the lavish praise it has received. True, it's hard not to notice her but she is hardly in the same league with Field and Streep who portrayed similar characters. Albeit less photgenic and certainly less energetic, Albert Finney (as Ed Masry) does much the better job. Given the tragic and potentially tragic circumstances presented in the film, I expected them to be the primary source of tension rather than whether or not Erin will get a job, win the lawsuit after the automobile accident, etc. As is, the film's priorities seem to suggest that Erin's sense of self-worth is more important than a cancer which has killed or will kill less glamorous folk. I enjoyed the movie. I wish I could admire it more.

Rating:
Summary: Standard TV fare
Review: I have to admit that I enjoyed this movie - Groundbreaking cinema, no. I thought that the story was engaging, made incredible by the fact that it was based on actual facts. I have to say that Ms. Brockovich earned every dollar of that bonus - what should have been a routine pro bono job was revealed to be a horrible corporate cover-up. This said, I don't think this film will be remembered much two years down the line.

Julia Roberts gives a Julia Roberts performance. While this was adequate, I never felt any sense of desperation in her character, even when she was down to 3 hungry children and $76 in the bank, with no job prospects in sight. I think of Holly Hunter's performance in The Firm as the short-skirted secretary/accomplice of Tom Cruise's Mitch character and how she oozed that sense of white trash. Ms. Roberts ALWAYS exuded a sense of self-confidence. I know that much was made of the provocative clothing when this film was released. That didn't bother me, but what did was the fact that her entire wardrobe (all 25 changes or so?) seemed to come from Richard Gere's Gold Card shopping spree on Rodeo Drive. She just never looked as poor and desperate as the film would have the viewer believe. She always wore what appeared to be designer clothes (with matching shoes, of course). I also thought that some development as to what led to her second divorce would have helped (yes, she was brash to the point of obnoxious). That divorce must have occurred while she was pregnant, or shortly after the birth of the baby. Why didn't he pay child support?

These minor complaints aside, this was, as others have noted, what Civil Action should have been. The denouement was worth the wait - a satisfying ending to the ordeal endured by the victims of PG&E.

Rating:
Summary: Julia is back in star form
Review: A fantastic movie! The movie has Julia Roberts portraying a real life character who is as vibrant as she is. The story is slightly reminiscent of Silkwood but is amazing in itself. The movie is about an underdog who fights her way into a job, does it better than many highly trained people. She shows the grit of hard working people everywhere. Also there is a point to be made that no matter where you live or how you dress if you are willing to put up with a lot you can achieve whatever you want to!

Rating:
Summary: Oscars worthy !
Review: What was the last film I seen with Julia Roberts in? Ah, Runaway Bride, another Romanic comedy, and Notting Hill before that, same genre. So what on earth is she doing in a true-life drama? A lot actually......... I have to admit, I am a bit of a Julia Roberts fan, but never in my life did I expect she is this good. No, good is not the right word; Oscar worthy only comes close. That might make me a bit biased towards her but even the cynics cannot denied that she has broken her "pretty woman" mould and become a true character actor, besides Julia Roberts, her co-star Albert Finney is also excellent as Ed Masery, he almost steels the show with his subtle and convincing portrayal of Erin's boss and friend.

As I said and you probably know, this film is based on a true-life story about a woman with no skills who found out something weird is going on and sued a multi-billion-corporation company and won the largest lawsuit payout in American history. So what makes this film differ from other "true-life-dramas"? Well, a lot of the credit must be given to Julia Roberts, her portrayal of the real Erin is truly convincing. Her performance brings the character to life; the audience can truly FEEL the way she felt, I've seen this film twice in the theatre and it's just as good the second time around.

The script is sharpe, some of the dialogue from Erin is really humorous, and the drama is dealt with care and precision. This is true movie from Julia and from director Steven Soderbergh, another masterpiece to buy on DVD.