"Oh by the way, we had the water brought in special for you..."

ERIN BROCKOVICH (R)

Reviewed April 1, 2000 - Check out the Erin Brockovich Website.

Studio Synopsis: Erin Brockovich is a stirring, funny and unconventional drama based on true events, starring two-time Academy Award nominee Julia Roberts as the twice-divorced mother of three young children who sees an injustice, takes on the bad guy and wins. With no money, no job and no prospects on the horizon, Erin Brockovich is a woman in a tight spot. Following a car accident in which Erin is not at fault, she finds herself even worse off when her attorney fails to land her any kind of settlement. With nowhere else to turn, Erin pleads with her attorney Ed Masry (Albert Finney) to hire her at his law firm. It is there, while working, that Erin stumbles upon some medical records placed in real estate files. Confused, she begins to question the connection. She convinces Ed to allow her to investigate, where she discovers a cover-up involving contaminated water in a local community which is causing devastating illnesses among its residents. Although the local citizens are initially leery of becoming involved, Erin's persistence and the personal interest she takes in their lives makes them listen. A kindred spirit, Erin is one of them, and her ability to connect with them on their level makes them comfortable, ultimately earning their trust. Helping her out is her next door neighbor George (Aaron Eckhart), a Harley Davidson biker whose friendship and support allows her the time to pursue the case. Going door to door, she signs up over 600 plaintiffs, and Erin and Ed, with the help of a major law firm, go on to receive the largest settlement ever paid in a direct-action lawsuit in U.S. history, $333 million. By triumphing over insurmountable odds, she is able to prove herself, and reinvent her life.

Fuzzydog Review: Erin Brockovich is bold, brash and extremely outspoken.  Short skirts and tight tops do little to hide a determined and strong-willed individual willing to fight for herself, her family, and a group of over 600 plaintiffs against what appear to be unbelievable odds...

Okay, it's a David-and-Goliath legal drama with a little Pretty Woman thrown in.  Not exactly the most original concept Hollywood has ever come up with, but then again it's a tried and tested formula and, at least in this case, it works.  A lot of credit has to go to Julia Roberts for one of her most confident portrayals in recent memory, and to writers Richard LaGravanese and Susannah Grant for some extremely sharp (often hilariously funny) dialog.  Erin Brockovich is a serious drama about the sins of corporate America, but it is also a bright, funny and entertaining story about a single mom trying to make her way in the world.  Nothing overly deep or profound here, just some solid entertainment that's worth considering on your next trip to the theatres...

Responses from cyberspace--thanks for writing!

anonymous entry gives this movie  stars. (9/24/00)

gillianlover@hotmail.com gives this movie  stars: "A complete surprise, and I believe Julia Roberts' best movie yet. Also one of the best films of the year at this stage." (7/15/00)