If the poster of Julia, babe in arm,
strawberry-pocked halter-top popping them two assets
forward, hardworking blue-collar lips ready to launch
a stream of obscenities from the roughened-heart
reminds you of a trashy Sharon Stone in "Gloria"; fear not.
"Erin Brockovich" is a fine production. In fact, why
isn't Julie Roberts on the Academy's list? She's
simply awesome.
A cross between "A Civil Action" and "Howard
Stern" in drag, "Erin Brockovich" graces the screen
with the difficult balance of heart, tragedy and
hard-hitting pottie-mouthed humor. In fact, the
film's only dips from divinity occur during a couple
of segments that postpone Erin's lightning-charged
tongue. It's her sharp lingua determined to cut
though any BS, which sets fly sparks. Her mouth is as
refreshing as an ice cold shower; it's sure to send
hilarious jolts of truth through audiences around the
country.
Divorced twice, raising three kids, one-time Miss
Wichita proves that credentials and high-power suits
play second fiddle to heart and brains. Dressed like
one of Charlie's Angles, busty waitress Brockovich
and her mouth take on big corporate lawyers in a case
involving a small town's polluted water supply.
This strong script along with its gritty dialogue
still may have fallen short even with Roberts' lead
if not for some great supporting actors. Albert
Finney's patience and expertise complement Roberts'
fiery passion. Aaron Eckhart is both charming and
real as love-interest-on-a-Harley.
The story is based on the real life exploits of
one Erin Brockovich. If you're curious to see what
she looks like, Erin cameos as a greasy-spoon
waitress during a short segment near the beginning of
the picture. In my particular screening, a handful of
viewers greeted her brief appearance with a clap or
two. By the end of the film, this audience of critics
gave the entire production a round of applause.
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