Erin Brockovich (2000)

The critic calls it compulsive viewing thanks to Roberts' sensationally showy performance and Finney's lovable supporting turn in this emotionally rich true-story drama.

The film is undercut by Julia Roberts' performance and provocative wardrobe choices that upstage the story of environmental litigation. Supporting characters lack depth and the screenplay feels thin and by-the-numbers.

The critic praises Julia Roberts for delivering a superlative, Oscar-worthy performance as the trashy single mother turned crusader, bringing vulnerability, wit and determination to the role. Soderbergh is lauded for crafting an intensely funny and emotionally satisfying film that highlights individual impact against corporate power, though it remains predictable.

The critic praises Julia Roberts' complex, edgy performance as the spirited but flawed heroine and Steven Soderbergh's restrained, respectful direction that avoids sentimentality and cinematic tricks.

The review commends Steven Soderbergh for directing a true story without clichés or courtroom drama, focusing instead on the working-class struggles and Roberts' performance framed by authentic portrayal of class prejudice. It notes the leisurely pace but effective storytelling without wasted moments.

The critic praises the film's portrayal of Erin Brockovich as a determined working-class woman taking on a corporation, highlighting Julia Roberts' dominant and empowering performance. He notes it is a triumphalist story lacking the complexity of similar films like The Insider.

The critic praises Julia Roberts' star turn as Erin Brockovich, highlighting her energy and the film's focus on her self-discovery and the class conflict in the true story of the PG&E lawsuit. Soderbergh's crisp direction and the strong supporting performances, especially Albert Finney, are singled out for making the long film engaging.

The movie is a feel-good crowd-pleaser that embraces every cliché but delivers laughs, tears and cheers thanks to Julia Roberts' vibrant performance. Soderbergh directs with restraint, making it likely to earn her an Oscar nomination.

The critic highlights Soderbergh's fresh, intelligent approach and humanist focus, singling out Roberts' credible and magnificent characterisation as the film's standout element.

Roberts is celebrated for her fizzing, triumphant performance as the foul-mouthed environmental avenger, making the most of the David-versus-Goliath story and her character's wardrobe and wisecracks. Soderbergh is noted for sidestepping clichés in a well-crafted film but is mildly faulted for not pushing boundaries further or avoiding occasional cringiness.

An exhilarating and very satisfying true-life story that takes Julia Roberts into more realistic territory with snappy dialogue and humor. Soderbergh keeps the focus sharp on the determined heroine while delivering heart and commercial appeal.

The critic highlights Julia Roberts' strong performance as the feisty single mother who uncovers corporate wrongdoing, noting that Albert Finney adds class to the proceedings. Soderbergh directs in a straightforward manner, making it a tribute to determined legwork in a David vs Goliath story.