A by-the-numbers drama starring a be-mulleted Charlize Theron, North Country isn't so much a movie as it is a two-hour public service announcement against sexual harassment.

This movie isn't horrible, it's just generic, elevated by a fine cast and effective pacing. If you've seen the trailer, you know what happens. But the movie doesn't aim for unpredictability anyway (a good thing, since the story's plot points could be outlined in about five seconds). And it is somewhat disappointing coming from Niki Caro, who directed the fantastically original Whale Rider, a movie with an equally powerful female discrimination message in a much more exotic, creative milieu.

I can see why so many talented and well-meaning actors would want to work on this project. It's based on a true story about the first ever class action sexual harassment suit, a landmark achievement that would forever change the way businesses nationwide draft policies concerning equal rights. Set in northern Minnesota circa 1989, the story follows Josey (Best Actress Oscar nominee Theron), a single mother of two, who bravely stands alone amidst ridiculously escalating behavior from her male peers (including physical attacks, cum on a co-worker's clothes and shit smeared on their lockerroom walls). Management doesn't care and even her female co-workers (including Best Supporting Actress nominee Frances McDormand) turn their backs on her, afraid to lose the best job in town.

The whole story would be more effective if we got to know Josey more. She's a mother and a victim. That's about all I got. Oh, and she likes to drink and dance, two totally non-specific characteristics (every other female in the movie does, too). Theron does her best, but that basically means she's either about to cry, crying or just finished crying in every scene. When she's actually allowed to be a real person and make a mistake - lashing out at her teenage son who's abandoned her after she was publicly humiliated, only to cause another publicly humiliating scene herself - the scene is so sudden and powerful, it's unnerving.