By Jamie Annel

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Erin Brockovich

**** out of ****

"Erin Brockovich" is not only a notable entry to the "one woman crusade" genre ("Norma Rae," "Silkwood"), but it is also the first truly great film of this year. Julia Roberts gives her best performance to date as the title character who, despite a lack of legal expertise, leads the crusade against a multi-billion dollar company.

Erin is a two-time divorcee with three young children and a near-empty bank account. When she gets into a car accident, she hopes that a settlement will help with her financial woes; unfortunately, she loses the case and blames her lawyer, Ed Masry (Albert Finney). After a heated argument, she storms into his office to demand a job. To everyone’s surprise, he gives her one.

Erin’s curiosity is peaked one day when she discovers medical records in the files of a pro bono real estate case. After investigating on her own, she discovers that a utility company, Pacific Gas & Electric, has been poisoning the water of a small California town and lying about it. She then convinces Ed to take the case on behalf of the town’s residents, even though going against such a wealthy and powerful corporation could cripple his practice.

This film mainly belongs to two actors: Roberts and Albert Finney. The latter is excellent in the role of Ed, who as the film goes on becomes Erin’s mentor and chief advocate (if Finney doesn’t get an Oscar nomination next year, there’s no justice). Aaron Eckhart also shines in the supporting role of George, Erin’s biker boyfriend and her children’s caretaker.

The best thing director Steven Soderbergh accomplishes with "Erin Brockovich" (which is based on a true story) is his focus on the human part of the drama. Instead of being bogged down with legalities, we get to know and care about the victims, and the movie accomplishes that without any needless sentimentality.

It may be cliché ("one person can make a difference") but it’s nice that, once in a while, a movie can come along and not hit us over the head with its message.

Email me at: simpsons1214@hotmail.com

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