Erin Brockovich

Erin Brockovich [Region 2]
$4.50
Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't THIS the movie where Julia Roberts really became the great movie actress that we think of today? The movies I've seen released before this one starring Julia Roberts show an actress on the verge of greatness, but never quite reaching that point for whatever reason.

Well, Erin Brockovich is definitely a movie I have no problem calling fantastic. Perhaps it's the memories of when the film came out and how I remember my family really enjoying how Julia's character develops into a strong and intelligent woman, or perhaps it has more to do with the writing of the story, which is both interesting AND moving. Not to mention the kind of storyline anyone of any age can understand and appreciate.

I will always remember Erin Brockovich as the movie that got me into paying more attention to movies as a whole more than anything else, and I recommend everyone watch it at least once and see if you too are able to discover the same kind of enjoyment that me and my family once did.

This is also an important movie that women should take notice of, because it shows women can do absolutely anything if they set their minds to it. I believe Erin Brockovich sets an example for everyone though, men and women alike, to stand up for what you believe in.

Take It From Me : Life's a Struggle But You Can Win
$10.95
The real-life story of Erin Brockovich told by Erin herself. I purchased this book (used) because I wanted to find out more about Erin, not for self-help philosophies. And I'm glad to say, the book shares a lot of her life story. Erin came from good parents and family, and wandered in her teenage years, succumbing to the "call of the party life".

While her story is honest and remarkable, I noticed a bit of arrogance too. Erin compares her story to a fairy princess story, dropping names like Princess Diana, Jackie Kennedy, and Marilyn Monroe. Her point was that no matter who you are, you'll have struggles too (like the mentioned famous ladies) but I thought it was a little conceited of her to classify herself in the same category as them. There's also the egotistical part where she says (about Julia Roberts speech when receiving her Academy Award) "Just because in her (Julia's) confusion and excitement, she omitted my name means nothing to me". Well, I guess it does if Erin brought it up in the book. I mean, why should Julia thank Erin for a performance award? Julia did the performance, not Erin.

Erin admits her early struggles in life, and the struggles she's had since the movie, with both her oldest children, Matthew and Katie, having to enter rehab for drug and alcohol abuse at the tender ages of fourteen and thirteen. She speaks of her "formers" and exes coming after her for money after the making of the movie, and the lawsuits and extortion they attempted to use against her.

Erin repeatedly mentions that she has, and still does, battle with dyslexia and panic attacks - showing that money itself can't cure everything. She skims only briefly over her pageant days. (She was Miss Pacific Coast in 1981, not Miss Wichita like the movie said). She's been through a lot and overcome a great deal of adversity, but her advice (the "self-help" part of the book) is bland, generic, "Dr. Phil" type of advice that only takes a person so far. (Don't lie, Believe in Yourself, blah-blah-blah...) Her best advice is underneath what she's actually saying - to take responsibility for your actions and use your mistakes to make yourself a better person.

It's unfortunate that after spending more than one chapter on extolling the virtues of her recent husband Eric Ellis and how perfect their relationship is, that after the book was published she divorced him too.

If you want to find out more about the intriguing character, Erin Brockovich, then this book will satisfy your desires. Take note that while she does talk about Hinkley and the lawsuit she became famous for, she never goes into any real detail about it. Don't look to this book for self-help, find a more professional volume. It's a fast, rather enjoyable read, with eight pages of color photographs. Buy used or borrow from the library. Enjoy!

Erin Brockovich [Blu-ray]
$59.99
Japanese Blu-Ray pressing. Region A. A real woman. A real story. A real triumph. Julia Roberts stars as Erin Brockovich, a feisty young mother who fought for justice any way she knew how. Desperate for a job to support herself and her three children, she convinces attorney Ed Masry (Albert Finney) to hire her, and promptly stumbles upon a monumental law case against a giant corporation. Now, Erin's determined to take on this powerful adversary even though no law firm has dared to do it before. And while Ed doesn't want anything to do with the case, Erin won't take "no" for an answer. So the two begin an incredible and sometimes hilarious fight that will bring a small town to its feet and a huge company to its knees.

Erin Brockovich
$9.99
This movie not only tells a great story that makes us think, there are many very funny parts. Plus, it is based on a true story so you realize just how much impact someone can have if they work hard and don't give up when things get tough. Erin Brockovich made a difference in many people's lives - lives that had been seriously damaged - yet she also made a difference in our society as big businesses got the message that they can't just hurt people without paying a price for that.

Entertaining movie, powerful points made, yet with humor delicately intertwined throughout the movie.