Julie & Julia - released on August 7th, it also based on a true story... actually, it's
based on two true stories: the early beginnings of TV icon and chef, Julia Child and Julie
an aspiring writer out of Queens who decides to blog about cooking for a year.
These two leading ladies are played by Meryl Streep and Amy Adams, who, in stark contrast
to the characters in Public Enemies are actually what really save this film, which is mostly
a two hour movie about French cooking.
They are adorable, endearing, and fun to watch as they both sink their teeth into their respective
roles.
Stanely Tucci and Chris Messina play the husbands of both actresses, with Tucci doing an especially
fine job as Mr. Child - he isn't given much to work with, but really hits a home-run with
his character.
Again, since this movie was based on a true-story, you already sort of know where it's going,
so there aren't many big surprises in store, and for the most part, the plot of the film
does little to excite.
But really, you're getting two movies for the price of one here - ala The Godfather
Part 2.
Although needlessly hinted towards the end of the film that Julie and Julia may actually
meet - that development goes nowhere, and the viewer is left with a sort of unfulfilled
desire to see the two stories somehow converge.
My disappointment doesn't come from the lack of converging narratives, but rather at director
Nora Ephron who in the final 10 minutes of the film, it would be a good idea to sort
of tease the audience with that possibility...
before completely forgetting about it, and ending the film on a bit of a sour note.
Nuances aside, this film was a quirky and fun movie that somehow made cooking and blogging
interesting for two full hours.
Without the stellar performances from the principal, and supporting cast, I definitely
would have rated this picture lower.
And although it has nothing to do with the film, I love that the original blog Julie
Powel wrote in 2002, that the movie is based off of is still online...
makes for a great read after you've seen the movie.
And if you're interested - link is in the sidebar.
Anyway, lets see what you had to say about Julie & Julia.
Bobaheej For Julie & Julia I was expecting a major chick flick.
It turned out pretty good.
There was comedy and ALL the actors were great choices for their parts.
It's almost scary how Meryl Streep got into character for Julia Child so well.
I'd definitely give it a 9 out of 10
katy1881 Julie & Julia it wasn't cut out to what I
thought it would be and the end made me very mad, I wouldn't watch it again if I could,
it was a waste of money and time :(
Okay - so we heard the good, and the bad - let's fire up the rate-o-matic and see how it did!
I gave it a 6, and you ranked it a 5.
Fair enough!
I think this movie definitely works better as a date movie.