Okay, twice-divorced Erin (played magnificently by Julia Roberts -- who, I now say on record, vastly deserved her win) desperately needs a job to support herself and her three children. After an unsuccessful law suit against a reckless driver who smashed into her car, she hits her lawyer up for the job she needs. She gets it.
She gets interested in one of the files she's keeping, and after further investigation, helps bring a massive lawsuit against a multi-billion dollar corporation. (No, not Microsoft.) The film portrays her trials and tribulations, both in the office, in the field, and at home.
I loved just about everything about this movie, except perhaps the over-use of profanity. I've seen it twice now, and it didn't lose anything the second time through. Julia Roberts is amazing. I loved her in Steel Magnolias, Stepmom, The Mexican, and even in Hook. She's not just an actress -- she puts everything into each role, squeezing every emotion out of you that she possibly can. (Despite all these, I still won't watch her romantic comedies -- go figure.)
In a way I felt sorry for all the people who had to go up against Erin. Her mouth was a dangerous weapon, and it hindered as much as it helped -- but when she started, she didn't stop until her victim was thoroughly obliterated. I'd love to have a talent like that. I seem to put my foot in my mouth half the time I open it. A mind like a steel trap, Erin took everything thrown at her, stored it away for future reference, and hungrily gobbled up even more. Without her, Microsoft might have won. (Oops, I mean the Gas company.)
The one I felt most sorry for was Ed Masry (Albert Finney in what *should* have been an Oscar-winning role), Erin's lawyer-turned-boss. He had a tornado on his hands and tried so valiantly to hang on to something as the storm blew around him. And yet he came out on top at the end. (I loved the closing scene -- it was classic!)
If you haven't seen this outstanding movie (which features a cameo by the real-life Erin, by the way), you're really missing out, I think. It's a great treat, and Julia Roberts, if I may repeat myself, is simply amazing.
This movie is rated R for excessive language. Discretion is advised.
SCORE: 9 Yeah, yeah, we've been through the language thing before. Other than the profanity, this is a near-perfect gem of a movie that will have you running the gauntlet of emotions. Empathy for the townspeople, sadistic glee at Erin's decimation of her enemies, sadness for the sacrifices she has to make, and simple joy at the goodness in her heart. Extremely Recommended!
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