Erin Brockovich
3 out of 4 stars

By Greg Ford - Assistant Accent Editor

Pretty woman grows up

A few weeks ago, fellow Ithacan writer Greg Storms reviewed the Bloodhound Gang's album "Hooray for Boobies." While this title is certainly appropriate for the group's funny, if not sophomoric, lyrics, it works just as well for Julia Roberts' latest film, "Erin Brockovich." Just the trailers for the film featured more cleavage than the latest Mariah video, which is no easy feat. That said, Roberts proves why she hasn't needed to rely on her looks for the past decade as her excellent acting make this good movie great.

"Erin Brockovich" tells the based-on-truth story of Brockovich (Roberts) and her struggles to provide for her three kids. With two ex-husbands and no higher education, Brockovich has a tough time finding a job, and her life gets even worse when she gets into a car accident that is not her fault. Brockovich's attorney, Ed Masry (Albert Finney), is not able to win the case, bringing her to a new low point. But by using her personality, which is a combination of stubbornness and a skimpy wardrobe, Brockovich gets a job at Masry's office.

The movie takes off when Brockovich begins to research a real estate case between the large utility company PG&E and the people who live nearby. Apparently, PG&E is letting a harmful chemical contaminate the water supply and causing the people to get sick. It is a typical David vs. Goliath tale from then on, with a romance between Brockovich and a biker thrown in to keep things interesting.

The movie works because of the characters, and director Steven Soderbergh puts them in places where they shine. As I began to learn about this movie, I honestly thought Roberts was making a mistake by taking on a role reserved for younger and less talented actresses. But as Brockovich says to Ed, "as long as I have one ass instead of two, I'll wear what I want." Roberts is only 33 years old, and perhaps she took the role in celebration of the 10-year anniversary of "Pretty Woman." Not many actresses could pull off a part that requires the character to be both commanding and sexy, but because of Roberts' abilities, she succeeds. In one scene, Brockovich is hunting for some government documents guarded by a young man. Instead of getting the information the official way, Brockovich uses her assets to get into the backroom, with the clerk stuttering his okays. The poor man had no chance against her, and she knew it.

Another trait of Brockovich's are the passionate speeches she gives that barely let up for her to catch her breath. These speeches are powerful and funny, leaving the other characters in a stunned silence and the audience cheering and applauding.

Even though Roberts' speeches and wardrobe draw the most attention, Albert Finney complements her as her boss. He always wears a loose tie and is seemingly uncomfortable when Brockovich is around, but manages to hold his own and is actually brilliant in some scenes.

"Erin Brockovich" is a solid drama, funny when it needs to be and captivating throughout. While there are a few confusing elements, both in the law and romance aspects, it has a lot more positives. Something that could have made this movie better: the real Erin Brockovich recently told Charlie Rose that Roberts was too conservative with her wardrobe.

Final Destination
3 out of 4 stars

By Ryan Vooris - Contributing Writer

Can you cheat death? Can you beat the force that eventually finds us all? The new film, "Final Destination," from James Wong and Glen Morgan, both veterans of "The X-Files," asks these perplexing questions.

If along the way they throw in numerous teen-age deaths, the most amazing airline crash I've ever seen on film and plenty of frights that'll make you grab your date's arm, it's all the more reason to watch this horror flick.

Devon Sawa stars as a high school senior traveling to Paris. When boarding the plane he has a horrific vision of it exploding mid-air.

Full of panic, Sawa's character exits the plane, along with five others. When the plane eventually explodes it seems these six individuals have escaped death. Yet, death is not finished with them.

This time, however, it's not a slasher in a mask or a quick tongued murderer chasing them, but a mysterious force that none can deny, but all must face. "Final Destination" pulls this off effectively and convincingly in a horror film I'd definitely recommend bringing a date to.