ERIN BROKAVICH

The multimillionairess, Julia Roberts, has come through again! Yes, some would say, she's on a roll, it's just one hit after another. This track record has made her one of the very few people in Hollywood. . .and certainly the only woman. . .who can command up to $20 million dollars per film. What's her appeal? It seems to me she's a throwback to that great glamour queen of the 30's and 40's, Joan Crawford. Crawford, like Roberts was all jaw, mouth and hips. . .and her eyes aren't bad either! She has the type of finely-chiseled face that photographs well. Add to this the fact that she can act. . .Crawford won an oscar for Mildred Pierce. Roberts has yet to win. (Since this review was written..Julia DID win! Surprise!!)Both she and brother Eric have been nominated for best supporting actor but so far, no wins in this family. But let's face it, she's only 32. As for the comparison between her and Crawford, yes Julia probably does show more vulnerability. . .a quality Crawford rarely possessed although you can see some of that in Mildred Pierce. So what is her appeal? She is very likeable, down to earth. . .and she chooses her films carefully. She knows what she can do and what she can't do. Eric Brockovich some say was a courageous choice for her. This is not the typical, flustered Pretty Woman role. But Roberts knew she could do it and she does it well. Some say there is more grit and realism in this film than in most of Roberts films. This could be true but we really don't know exactly how realistic this story is. Most likely it has been embellished by Hollywood script writers. But don't get me wrong. I'm not complaining. That's Hollywood and that's drama in general. Most real-life situations are not dramatic enough to interest us. Erin Brockovich then is an entertaining work. It's a fun story to watch and it has that added weight due to the fact we know it's based on a true story. Julia's title of "Queen of the Cinema" is secure. But we all know in Hollywood you're only as good as your last picture. She knows as well as anyone her reign could be a short one.