Ryan McNeil
JULIE & JULIA should come with an advisory before it begins. Nothing to the effect of it not being recommended for viewers under a certain age; nothing about it being possibly offensive in any way actually. But it still needs to begin with a clear direct advisory, in deep red letters clearly displayed in a big bold font. The advisory, in the interest of its viewers comfort and enjoyment, should go something like this:
WARNING: DO NOT WATCH THIS MOTION PICTURE ON AN EMPTY STOMACH.
JULIE & JULIA is about the lives of two women, both searching for direction. Julie refers to Julie Powell (Amy Adams), a middleman at the Lower Manhattan Development Project who spends her days in a cubicle listening to endless grief about what New York City is doing (or sometimes not doing) about the area surrounding the former World Trade Center site. In an attempt to give her life some meaning, and rekindle her original goal of being a writer, she decides to begin a project. She will work her way through Julia Child’s Mastering the Art of French Cooking. 524 recipes. 365 days. Countless calories.
Julia, of course is the legendary Julia Child (Meryl Streep). This movie meets up with her in Paris, as the wife of a United States Foreign Service agent stationed there. She also wants to give her life some meaning, and eventually finds it by learning how to cook at Le Cordon Bleu. She has never studied cooking before, but has such a passion for food, that she thrives at it. Once she gets her diploma, she focuses her energy on working together with two friends, to attempt having a cookbook published.
JULIE & JULIA is first and foremost about passion. Passion for food, passion for writing, and passion for life. What both Julie and Julia figure out, is that any ordinary life can be turned extraordinary if one only has a little passion. Julia understands it during a time when many women were content to fill their days drinking tea and attending social clubs. Not only does she want for more, but she’s more than willing to walk into a boys club to get it. Julia needs a little push, since she can write, but can’t get her writings read. Thankfully Julia is writing in the new millennium, and just a few mouse clicks will connect to a potential audience of millions. The question is – are they reading?
That question is something both women come up against. Julia understands that wanting more out of life isn’t about pleasing the masses: it has to begin with pleasing the few. If she can cook well enough to impress her husband, her family, and her friends…then the rest will come with time. Julie meanwhile, asks aloud in post after post if anyone is reading her blog besides her mother. While a bit of Julia’s self confidence would do her good, I could relate to this part of Julie’s adventure – I think every blogger can.
So with passion and audience in hand, both women find their lives deeply rooted in food. This is la dolce vita at its finest – a life defined by butter, braising and boeuf bourguignon. I must give heavy props to this film for the role food plays, since far too often movies about cooks and chefs only pay the food lip service. JULIE & JULIA isn’t a story about food – it’s a love letter to food. It’s the sort of film that will make your popcorn taste staler and staler with every handful, and make you salivate for a bite of brie.
There is a moment or two where the movie loses a bit of focus, and an ending that feels a tad tacked on. However, neither of these mistakes by writer/director Nora Ephron are enough to sink this culinary french kiss. JULIE & JULIA is thoughtful, passionate, and charming. It reminds us all that Yes Virginia, there’s more to life than this. One can get in touch with their inner Julia – and likewise their inner Julie – with just a little heart. Give the movie a watch when you can…but don’t go hungry.
My mom and sister went to watch this one night, and they told me they loved it. They tend to have good taste in films, but they are a bit more open minded than me. With all the success it's had I'll give this a chance when it hits my local cheapy theater.
Thank you for the fine review.I enjoyed this movie, particularly Streep's performance as Julia Child. Her Julia is a woman so warm, friendly and adorable that even the notoriously grumpy French love her. The movie is also an homage to her marriage with Paul Child–(a fine turn by Stanley Tucci.) Perky Amy Adams as young Julie keeps us interested and rooting for her as she obsessively cooks her way through the 600+ pages of Mastering the Art of French Cooking. And the food…!! After the movie, we went to my favorite restaurant…
@ Univarn… It isn't a must, but it's a fun little film. I suggest an afternoon screening, to be followed by dinner somewhere with really good food!
@ Margaret… Streep-as-Julia was quite charming, and for my money that entire side of the story dropped the hammer when Julia's sister showed up. I wish I could say I went somewhere good when the movie was over – I went home to milk and cookies.
Looks like another solid flick from Streep. Man that woman keeps on make'n movies.
I think you've convinced me – I've been umming and ahhing about watching this one. Good review! Will make sure I've eaten before I watch it though 😀
@ Farzan… Solid indeed, through Streep herself recently joked that she has never been part of a "masterpiece"…which is true when you think about it!
@ Captain D… Always humbled to know my writing can convince anyone of anything. Thanks for the comment and thanks for reading.