Julia Roberts
has an impressive string of recent hits with "Runaway Bride,"
"Notting
Hill," and "Stepmom." Last night, I saw a sneak preview
of "Erin Brockovich," her new movie. It doesn't officially come
out until next week, so I have no clue how well it's gonna do, but I guarantee
that this is a movie that'll get Julia Roberts some serious respect. Her
acting is the best she's ever done, and though it's very early in the year,
I'd go so far as to say that it's worthy of an Oscar nomination. Actually,
"Erin Brockovich" is worthy of SEVERAL Oscar nominations.
Yes, I really liked this movie, and the terrific acting doesn't stop with
Julia Roberts. Albert Finney (he played opposite Audrey Hepburn in "Two
for the Road," and he was also in the Coen Brothers' "Miller's
Crossing") is great as the attorney who makes up the second half of
this unlikely team. Aaron Eckhart (Al Pacino's assistant coach in "Any
Given Sunday," but ya gotta see his performance in "Your
Friends & Neighbors" and especially "In
the Company of Men") is just perfect as the guy who's foolish enough
to fall for the title character. Aaron Eckhart plays him perfectly. Also,
veteran character actress Conchata Ferrell does her thing and veteran character
actor Tracey Walter does his.
"Erin Brockovich" was written by Susannah Grant, a woman who seems
to have a thing for writing about strong female characters (she helped write
"Ever After"
and "Pocahontas," and she wrote the upcoming Sandra Bullock movie,
"28 Days"). I really like her writing a lot, and I'm looking forward
to "28 Days," as well as more future work from this gifted writer.
As for the director, it was Steven Soderbergh. He directed "Out
of Sight," a movie I called my favorite of 1998, and he most recently
directed "The Limey," which I didn't see. I really should, though.
"Erin Brockovich" (a horrible title, by the way) is the kinda
movie that makes you wanna cheer during a few of the scenes, and in the
theater I was in, some people did. It's that kinda movie. It's just that
every time the title character opens her mouth, EVERYONE listens. She's
got a sharp wit, a sharper tongue, and she kicks major ass. She's one of
the strongest female characters I've seen in a while. Is she still a "character"
if she's based on a real person? If not, what would the proper term be?
Anyway...
This film is the result of a talented writer with a great script, a talented
director at the top of his game, and a talented lead actress giving her
best performance ever. "Erin Brockovich" is a tad slow at times,
and certain people may be offended by the dialogue, but nevertheless, I
strongly suggest that you see this brilliant movie.