Brockovich shines

\"Erin Brockovich" is the true story of a struggling single mother without any legal training who discovered water pollution in Hinkley, Calif. She then heralded the townspeople to fight against a large corporation and won the largest settlement ever paid in a direct-action lawsuit in the United States, $330 million. Although this would easily be made into another "A Civil Action," the mesmerizing cast, masterful direction and witty script make "Brockovich" extremely absorbing and entertaining. \nGiving undoubtedly the best performance of her career, Julia Roberts stars as the film's feisty, Norma Rae-esque title character. An unemployed former beauty queen with two previous bad marriages and three kids to support, Brockovich hit rock bottom when her car was broadsided by a speeding driver who ran a red light and her burnout lawyer, Ed Marsy, (Albert Finney) lost the case. She subsequently landed a job handling files at Marsy's law firm after numerous unsuccessful job interviews. After stumbling on some health information in a real estate case, Brockovich set out to clear up the confusion. She then persuaded the town's 600-some citizens with her wit, charm and dedication to organize a law suit against Pacific Gas and Electric, the source of the area's pollution.\nDirector Steven Soderbergh, best known for "Sex, Lies and Videotape" and "Out of Sight," once again proves he is one of the best American directors working today. Although Soderbergh has significantly toned down his style for this film, his amazing ability of getting great performances from his actors is fully at work. \nThe much joked-about cleavage of the Brockovich character soon takes a back seat to Roberts' acting. From a helpless single mother to a determined crusader, Roberts is completely winning throughout the film. Her acute comic timing helps to flesh out the wonderfully witty screenplay by Susannah Grant. The supporting actors all deliver earnest performances that help make the film credible. As a lawyer wary of the loopholes of the law, who gradually rediscover a passion for humanity, Finney's subtle performance always rings true. Aaron Eckhart, who plays Brockovich's supportive biker boyfriend, shows a wonderful tender side previously undetected from performances in films such as "In the Company of Men."\n"Erin Brockovich" is the best film Hollywood has offered us so far this year. It is a very commercial star vehicle for Roberts, but is uncompromising and heart-warming. Roberts' star quality never makes anyone doubt for a second this is the true story of the triumph of ordinary people.