Two Line Reviews - #433

Movie: Erin Brokovich (2000)

Plot: A divorced mother of three small kids tries to get some job to make ends meet. After a stunning revelation, she chases down a huge firm responsible for bringing down an entire town in terms of its people's health. When the race intensifies, she has to make some personal sacrifices to cross the finishing line.

What Works?

• For a film based on a true story, the presentation is quite entertaining thanks to Soderbergh's simplistic & old-school narrative.
• Julai Roberts understands she is the bone and flesh of the film and comes up trumps in her role as the determined legal assistant.
• Her scenes with her boss, played neatly by veteran Albert Finney, where she ends up screaming in temper are winners!
• The angle that describes her parenting and the sacrifices she had to make is an inspiring story in itself.

Story of a determined sacrifice that is inspiring too!

Two Line Reviews - #286

Movie: Murder on the Orient Express (1974)

Plot: A train that covers countries across Europe, one day, plays host to a lot of important people. One among them is murdered during the trip. An ice-avalanche halts the train midway & this lets a Belgian detective carry his investigation to nab the culprit & when he finds what he finds, the suspense revealed is bewildering!


Highlights:

• It is amazing to know the talent of Agatha Christie through movie adaptions like this! The suspense clearly takes one back by surprise.
• Sidney Lumet, the veteran film-maker presents the story with a pretty nostalgic setup; with details on train, routes and passengers acting complementors to the suspenseful central plot.
• Albert Finney, in his detective role, performs impeccably; I have seen not many convincing portrayals than that; One of the best performances.

Express-speed murder mystery!