Erin Brockovich MPAA Rating: R Entertainment: +2 1/2 Content: -3

Based on a true story, Julia Roberts stars as Erin Brockovich. Outspoken, twice divorced, with three children and limited education, Erin has only one thing going for her, sheer determination. When she looses a simple, car accident case in court, she forces herself into her lawyers office for a job. Recognizing her tenacity, lawyer Ed Masery (Albert Finney) puts Erin to work on a simple real estate case. But it sparks Erins curiosity when there are medical records in the file. As Erin investigates, she finds herself in the middle of a major groundwater pollution case with a large utility company. In what becomes a David and Goliath story, Erin rallies the people of a small community to take on a giant power supplier. But the fight also takes its toll on Erins home life as she leaves her children in the hands of George (Aaron Eckheart), a seasonal construction worker. Audiences will cheer as Erin uses her natural charms and her faith in the truth to win over both legal teams and townspeople. On a humorous note, the real Erin makes a cameo appearance as a waitress named Julia.

Theres much to admire in Erins character. She respects people and approaches them honestly and sometimes bluntly. When others would give up, she hangs on and fights for those she thinks need her help. While some see Ed as a soft touch, he sees Erins potential and exercises belief in her. George also believes in Erin and shows a surprising side by wanting to care for her children. Although her wardrobe emphasizes her physical attributes and presents an image some would call white trash, Erin demonstrates a remarkable intelligence and memory. She also understands her appearance can be useful in gathering information. Unfortunately, as with many current films, the dialogue is filled with obscenity and profanity. However real, character and emotion can be conveyed without vulgar language. One scene implies a sexual relationship between George and Erin, but explicit action and nudity were omitted. Once again, a possibly decent film is degraded by trashy dialogue.

Preview Reviewer: Paul Bicking
Distributor: Columbia Pictures, 10202 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City, CA 90232 & Universal Pictures