When first the name 'Erin Brockovich' was uttered on the movie trailer, it sounded very fake. That is, untill it was divulged that this film is based on a true story. Yes, there really is an Erin Brockovich, and yes, she really did land the residents of Hinkly, California $333,000,000.
Erin Brockovich (Julia Roberts) was a twice divorced mother of three who happened to be unemployed. Then she was in an auto wreck. She did not get any money from a settlement, but did badger her lawyer, Ed Masry (Albert Finney), enough to give her a job.
While at work, she discovers some papers about a real estate settlement, and eventually winds up digging a 50' hole into the biggest direct-action settlement in USA history.
PG&E (Pacific Gas & Electric) used a toxic chemical (Chromium 6) in its business practises, which contaminted the ground water, and caused many people to become very ill. (PG&E told Hinkly residents that they used Chromium 3, and that it was safe, which was a bold-faced lie.)
Erin takes on, with Ed Masry's help , only a handfull of clinetnts at first. But, that number mushrooms to 634 plantiffs by the film's end.
Erin, through a lot of hard work, make friends with the 634 plantiffs, and gets each one of them to sign a document saying that they will support a certain type of law-suit trail.
Through many days of neglecting her children, and her 'boy-friend' George (Aaron Eckhart), Erin manages to crack the case. David beats Goliath again, and one determined woman shows just what she can do.
Albert Finney was sensational as Ed Masry, and deserved the Oscar more than Benicio Del Toro, for Traffic. Unlike other legal dramas, the courtroom stuff is left to all but one scene. More of the court room and the judge rendering his verdict would have been nice to see.
Erin Brockovich is a true tale about determination, guts, and that the little people (Davids) can stand up to Coporate America (Goliath's) and say "Hey! We are not going to take it anymore!"
Plot: 
Based on a true story, Erin Brockovich is a "feel good" film that really gets you wondering just why Corporate America would want to do such a thing to it valued customers.
Visual Effects:
Few, if any; the car accident in the beginning was a nice touch.
Sound: 
Good. End song was nice.
Character Development:
Although we never do find out about Erin and George, we do know that Erin gets a heafty raise, and a permanent job. She does win over Ed Masry, however.
Atmosphere:
This si a pretty good film in that it is easy to get into. You get to the heart of the story rather fast, and you start feeling sorry for Erin right off the bat.
Realism:
Erin Brockovich is based on a true stroy. 'Nuff said.
Warren’s Rating:
Movies it was nominated with for Best Picture:
Chocolat; *Gladiator;
Traffic; Wo hu cang long (Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon)
7.71/10 Is the movie worth your time to watch?
10-08-03
Age at win: 32
Nominated for: Best Actrees in a Leading Role, Erin Brockovich, Erin Brockovich
Nomination: 3/3 (acting), 3/3 (total); Win: Only
In this film, Erin Brockovich, Julia Roberts looks like a cross between hooker Vivian Ward from Pretty Woman and Darby Shaw from The Pelican Brief. Julia's performance is equaled only by Albert Finney's, which was a great performance, as well. Julia hammers home what the real Erin Brockovich had to go through in convincing detail, although there is something lacking.
Julia brings to the role a sense that she's using her "Pretty Woman" character a bit too much. Still, she gives a good performance, not great, but good.
10-09-03
