Eckhart is almost too good to be true but gives a likable performance and is a winning non-distraction. The grumpy Finney is also good value and seems natural in the role. Instead it was realistic and quite warm where she could have been annoying. The biggest reason that the focus on Erin works is because Roberts really does very well giving her Erin a down to earth, trashy feel that could have been hammy or unbelievable (she is a multimillion pound actress after all), but it wasn't. It feels slow at times, but if you're into it then it feels patient rather than slow and deliberate rather than laboured. As a result the events feel more powerful and involving. However it still grips as the facts pretty much speak for themselves the film adds to this by creating a real sense of PG&E as a monster without scruples or concern for the residents. The film focuses as much on Erin as it does on the case and at times it risked failing as a legal drama/thriller. At the time there was a rash of 'environmental damage' legal films of which this is one of the more polished and classy. I don't know how much of this drama is factual and how much of it is changed to add to dramatic effect but regardless the story is involving, funny and moving. As she looks deeper she finds a legacy of illness and a small bit of research turns into a mammoth case. Doing some of his pro-bono work, Erin uncovers evidence that suggests that manufacturing firm PG&E had poisoned the local water supply and lie to residents about the content. Erin demands he gives her a job and he begrudgingly does. She goes to lawyer Ed Masry who spectacularly fails to win her any damages. On her way home she is hit by another car. Out of work, out of hope, trashy, twice divorced single mother Erin fails to get another job due to her lack of experience.
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