'Erin Brockovich'

This is one real-life story brought, quite aptly, into reel-life by Julia Roberts. The actress in her comes out once again in the form of loud clothes and a less-than-perfect personality and attitude. Roberts is the movie itself.

The essence that captures you immediately in the movie is its sense of realism-in all aspects. Here is a forthright and bright woman; jobless, penniless and degreeless. Her quick tongue and wit land her a job as a legal secretary despite an interview studded with a flurry of foul words.

She soon gets interested in some old legal files and decides to pursue it out of curiosity. However, her casual disregard of mundane office policies gets her fired. But destiny crosses her path again and she gets right back on the job of unearthing the story behind the files. As she realises the importance of the case she is fighting, she also realises that the stakes are high and plays the game hard from there on.

Erin Brockovich is no saint. Her dogged fight for justice is not entirely selfless- as a single mother of four, she has bills to pay. Nor does she hesitate, through the course of the movie, to turn her feminine 'assets' to advantage. She is also shown wanting the credit for all the legwork she has done. Her boyfriend is also atypical. A biker dude who has a gentle heart.

It is all these flawed characters and characteristics that invest the film with a gritty realism and integrity.

You end up wanting to cheer this gutsy woman all the way. Here's a woman with chutzpah, suing and winning $333 million for the victims of a corporate cover-up.

Rating: People who want to kick start their conscience- this is a must see. And if you're wondering why Julia Roberts is the highest paid female movie star in Hollywood, raking in a cool $20million per flick, you'll know exactly why, after 'Erin Brockovich.' Here's a little insider tip: catch a cameo appearance by the real Erin Brockovich playing a waitress, at the outset.

Post Comment

Name : Email : Password : Comments :