Tags
2000's, Aaron Eckhart, Albert Finney, Based on a true story, Drama, Erin Brockovich, Julia Roberts, Marg Helgenberger, Steven Soderbergh
Film Title
Erin Brockovich
Director
Steven Soderbergh
Starring
- Julia Roberts as Erin Brockovich
- Albert Finney as Ed Masry
- Aaron Eckhart as George
- Marg Helgenberger as Donna Jensen
Based on a true story, Erin Brockovich is a warm and uplifting crowd pleaser that doesn’t feel mawkish for a second. Bolstered by the Oscar-winning performance of Julia Roberts and competently directed by Steven Soderbergh, Erin Brockovich makes for emotionally involving and compulsive viewing of the underdog taking on the hierarchy of corruption.
Erin Brockovich is an unemployed single mother of three young children, who has recently been injured in a road accident. Her lawyer, the wise Ed Masry, hopes to win the case in suing the doctor who caused the crash. Erin’s brassy behaviour and use of profane language does little to endear her to the court and she loses the case. At the end of her tether struggling to provide for her family, she talks her way into a job at Ed’s law firm. An unconventional presence among straight-laced staff, Erin’s take no prisoners attitude and revealing wardrobe constantly test Ed’s patience. Whilst looking through the real-estate files of Pacific Gas and Electric who are planning to purchase the house of a woman in Hinkley, California she finds medical records and blood samples. Curious, she checks out the intriguing oddity. Speaking to Donna, the woman whose file she found it in, she discovers the unusual correspondence between the company and the family’s in the area. Plus, many of the residents in the area have become sick with various and dangerous medical conditions. Continuing to dig up details in the complicated but little-known case, Erin unearths a cover up as the company has been poisoning the water supply within the area. Erin pursues the case, revealing the warmth behind her streetwise exterior, and begins to form a case against Pacific Gas and Electric in order to help the community. Prepare for a funny, dramatic and moving take on the David and Goliath story as the excellent direction of Steven Soderbergh,a witty yet insightful script and strong performances from Roberts and Finney add to the overall charm and emotionally drive of Erin Brockovich.
The screenplay for this movie manages to balance humour and pathos in equal measure, and although you may guess the outcome, still keeps you wondering whether Erin’s case will win. It also manages to flesh out the interesting investigation of the cover-up and how Erin’s good heart and brash demeanor aid her in her quest for justice. Steven Soderbergh’s direction gives the piece a naturalness that allows the actors to embody their roles effectively whilst also giving us a touching story of an unconventional woman using her smarts and big heart to help others. The cinematography captures a hazy glow of California as Erin works her way towards answers. The actors in the cast are all convincing in their roles. Julia Roberts delivers a strong, Oscar-winning performance as the eponymous Erin. Roberts embodies the tough, brassy attitude, foul mouth, heart of gold and a deep empathy to give us a woman who will stop at nothing when it comes to the case. It really is a joy to watch this tenacious character prove her intelligence and strength in the face of corporate big wigs trying to avoid a lawsuit. She is ably supported by Albert Finney as Ed, who is initially unsure about Erin but comes to see the intelligence and caring side that have long been underestimated in Erin. Finney has an excellent camaraderie with Roberts, as we watch two stark opposites learn to respect one another. Aaron Eckhart manages to create an interesting character in the role of George, a biker who takes a shine to Erin but begins to worry when the case begins to overtake her. Marg Helgenberger shines in a touching role as a woman who has suffered with illness because of the cover-up.
Emotionally rich, involving and well-performed, Erin Brockovich provides laughs, cries and above all praise.
Teepee12 said:
I liked the movie, but I remember Julia Roberts acceptance speech at at the Oscars even better 🙂
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vinnieh said:
Thanks, yeah that was a very memorable speech to say the least.
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Terry Malloy's Pigeon Coop said:
Really like this movie, nice review man.
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vinnieh said:
Glad you like it and thanks for the comment.
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That EJ said:
Amazingly, I’ve never watched this. I think you have convinced me to!
Great review, as always!
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vinnieh said:
Thanks, if I’ve convinced you to watch it, I’ve done my job. Enjoy the film if you do see it.
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That EJ said:
Cheers! I’ve got a feeling I will enjoy it. I’ll let you know!
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stephen1001 said:
Good film – her long-winded shut down when Aaron Eckhart’s character asks for her number is one for the books.
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vinnieh said:
Thanks, that’s an amazing scene.
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jeffro517 said:
I haven’t seen this, but now I want to. Thanks for the nice look.
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vinnieh said:
Thanks for the kind words, you definitely should see this movie.
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Meanderer said:
Great review! I’m not a great fan of Ms Roberts so would have dismissed this film because of that reason – but you have convinced me to look out for it and give it a go!
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vinnieh said:
Thanks, glad my review has convinced you to give it a look.
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Dan said:
This is one of my favorite Soderberg movies. Love Julia Roberts’ performance in it.
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vinnieh said:
Thanks for the comment, yeah Roberts delivers a great performance in this.
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Lights Camera Reaction said:
Glad you liked it! Roberts is very charming, witty and an all-around joy to watch. I don’t think she sold the emotional moments as well as she should have, but any moment with her standing up to the fat cats that she takes on is a real crowd-pleaser.
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vinnieh said:
Thanks, I loved the scenes of her taking on the powers that be with a tenacious and feisty attitude.
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Maggie said:
Albert Finney is one of greats. Loved his chemistry with Julia!
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vinnieh said:
They were fantastic together. Loved watching how opposite they were and how they each complimented each other.
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beetleypete said:
OK, despite Julia, I have watched this. It wasn’t bad, but I didn’t feel overwhelmed by it. The real Erin was somewhat dowdy, but they had to pick a ‘looker’ for the film. And why does Finney keep playing roles in the US with that awful American accent? I really like him, but he cannot do an accent justice. They should have used an American actor.
(But then you knew I wouldn’t like it that much…)
Best wishes, Pete.
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vinnieh said:
I was waiting for your comment on this post Pete.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Julia Roberts definitely deserved the Oscar she won!
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vinnieh said:
Oh I agree. She played the part with genuine warmth and feistiness.
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