Entering Erin Brockovich, I was expecting something somewhat similar to A Civil Action - I mean, they both feature a small town going up against a big company for water pollution and the small firm taking it all on. However, Erin Brockovich is much different from A Civil Action. Brockovich features Julia Roberts in tight, short dresses with plenty of cleavage whereas A Civil Action only had John Travolta in plain old suits. Which one is the average male going to pick? With Brockovich coming in number one at the box office, it's quite clear which one was picked.

While A Civil Action tended to focus more on the trial and the lawyers involved, Brockovich tended to focus on Brockovich and her short skirts, push-up bras, and the such. Don't get me wrong, I've got nothing against that, but these two movies are completely different, and both equally enjoyable (yes - I liked A Civil Action). Brockovich features Julia Roberts in one of her most vivacious character portrayals in a long time and pairs her with director Steven Soderbergh (Out of Sight and The Limey). Soderbergh's works have always been enjoyable for me personally, and pairing him with a dynamic, enthusiastic Roberts is what really made the movie work. Forget the plot and the trial, the main, and only focus of this movie is Roberts. And Roberts steals the show.

Nothing against the real Erin Brockovich (who has a cameo in the movie) or the real victims of the water pollution, but it just seems as if they were secondary in this film. This movie was a vehicle for Roberts to showcase her acting, her body, and her foul mouth (a pleasant and funny change from her usual roles). If you're going expecting a dramatic film filled with twists and turns, you'll most likely be disappointed, but if you just let yourself be drawn in by Soderbergh's direction and Robert's acting, you'll enjoy yourself much more. A fun film, Erin Brockovich is a pleasure to view, but not critique, because you'll find out there aren't many underlying themes or intricate details. Nonetheless, I had a good time and enjoyed the film and hope that you do too if you have the chance to see it.

Genres: Drama
Rated: R
Runtime: 145 minutes
Talk back in the discussion boards!