Review of Julie & Julia (2009) by Chris M — 17 Dec 2011

Meryl Streep is the reason to see this - she is terrifically engaging as Julia Child, the first TV cook. Her story is still more than a little saccharine, but Streep and Stanley Tucci more than carry it through. On the other hand, I was really disappointed by Amy Adams' role as Julie Powell. Is she an annoying character or is the performance, script, and direction to blame?

It seemed like they tried to portray her as an antidote to the Sex & City bling, but as this was based on Julie Powell's book, all I can think is that's how Ms Powell sees herself. Except SaTC doesn't try to give itself any meaning, it's consumerist froth.

There were simply no 'stakes' I cared about in Julie Powell's part of the story. She's not rich, has a less-than-fulfilling job, and a small apartment that's not in the heart of the city. Well get over yourself Ms Powell.

But the film is still worth seeing, at least for the half of the run-time.