108) Erin BrockovichDirector: Steven SoderbergYear: 2000Plot Summary: An unemployed single mother becomes a legal assistant and almost single-handedly brings down a California power company accused of polluting a city's water supply.
I've always been sceptical about Julia Robert's Oscar winning movie Erin Brockovich. Despite good reviews and reassurances from my friends that it is actually an alright film, everything about it screamed of a sentimental, rehashed TV movie. It seems I was wrong though. Placed in the hands of the talented Steven Soderberg, Erin Brockovich's true story is one that has a good message and a strong emotional core but never turns to cliche.
It has all the elements of a classic Hollywood Oscar contender, that's hard to deny, and you know all along that Erin will be the working class hero who brings the mighty company to their knees. But, nevertheless, it remains an enjoyable watch from start to finish. The writing is constantly very good, the direction is simple yet effective and the performances from Julia Roberts, Albert Finney and Aaron Eckhart are all admirable. While I don't agree that Roberts should have won the Best Actress award for her role, it's certainly the best in her, let's say, underwhelming resume.
Most of all though, it's always hard for me to criticise a film that has a strong female lead character. Robert's role is not one of a weak, motherly woman nor is she cast as simple the romantic interest. Brockovich is someone who is powerful, feisty, determined and will achieve what she wants regardless of her gender. It's a rare sight to see in such a mainstream movie and one that is always a pleasure to behold.
3/5
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