Susan Granger’s review of “ERIN BROCKOVICH” (Universal Pictures)
It’s too bad Erin Brockovich wasn’t released last year because Julia Roberts would be Oscar’s top contender as the smart, struggling, twice-divorced mother of three young children who, without law expertise, defies the odds, takes on and defeats a major public utilities company. Funny, flippant, and feisty, she’s sensational as a Norma Rae-type of heroine. Based on true events, the story revolves around Erin’s discovery of a cover-up involving contaminated water which is causing devastating illnesses in a small California desert community. Infuriated by the deception, she convinces her grumpy, avuncular boss, brilliantly played by Albert Finney, to allow her not only to investigate but to convince the leery local citizenry to join in litigation against Pacific Gas & Electric Co.. “It’s hexavalent chromium, highly toxic, highly carcinogenic,” she explains. “Gets into your DNA, so you pass the trouble along to your kids.” With over 600 plaintiffs, they win $333 million, the largest settlement ever paid in a direct-action suit. Brassy and bold – with the cleavage created by her uplift brassiere always showing – mini-skirted Erin also picks up a boy-friend (Aaron Eckhart), the biker next door, who watches her kids while she tackles the job that earns her respect – for the first time in her life. Written by Susannah Grant and Richard LaGravenese and directed by Steven Soderberg, yeah, it’s sexist and a bit too lengthy – but those are minor quibbles. And if the plot sounds similar to A Civil Action, the difference can be summed up in two words: Julia Roberts. On the Granger Movie Gauge of 1 to 10, Erin Brockovich is a feel-good, nifty 9 – the first “must see” movie of the new millennium. And let’s hope voters don’t forget when Academy Award nominations come ’round in 2001.
