Review of Julie & Julia (2009) by Melissa R — 06 Mar 2011

I have to say, I am probably biased in regards to this movie because its about food, and there are surprisingly few films within the genre of foodie movies. And I love food.

Julie Powell has set herself a mission since her life doesn't seem to be going anywhere. She is going to cook through Julia Child's The Art of French Cooking in a year, and blog about it. Not such a big task some might think? Well, over 500 recipes in 365 days is kind of a big deal, especially when some include boning a duck. While she is navigating through this humongous task (and having it affect her life and marriage) we are given glimpses of Julia Child's life in Paris and how she started cooking and writing cookbooks.

Meryl Streep-Julia Child.

Amy Adams-Julie Powell.

Stanley Tucci-Paul Child.

Chris Messina-Eric Powell.

Linda Emond-Simone Beck.

Helen Carey-Louisette Bertholle.

Jane Lynch-Dorothy McWilliams.

For casting I think they did a great job. Meryl Streep was amazing as Julia Child and while I have not really watched too much of The French Chef show on PBS I could definitely see the similarities. She and Stanley Tucci had great chemistry as well and it was a pleasure to watch them interact together and their love felt genuine. Amy Adams I'm not as big a fan of in any movie, but I think she did ok here. In my opinion Julie was a bit of a brat but I suppose no one can be perfect. I did like her husband played by Chris Messina, but have to say that the way he eats was a little unappetizing. Most surprising to me was when my fiance pointed out Julia's sister and shouted Glee! Sure enough once pointed out I was able to recognize Jane Lynch and had a little giggle.

There weren't any special effects really in this movie but it was filmed rather well. The times felt authentic and the shots of the food just wonderful. I could feel my mouth watering as all these people got to eat fabulous dinners and I didn't even get a taste. I love to cook myself though and perhaps this will hurry me along to buying a copy of The Art of French Cooking to give a try (except the aspics, eek). The movie did get slow in a few parts and just like Julie's husband, I got tired of watching some of her meltdowns and wished it would have focused more on some of her successful creations from Julia's book.

As a warning, this movie does contain some adult language and themes and while I found the uses hilarious, others may not.

It is a very foodie movie and while I wish some techniques had been highlighted, or recipes shared, I can't really complain too much because it was about food and it really was interesting to see the history behind both Julia and Julie (who's book Julie and Julia is actually in my pile of books to read soon). It is definitely a movie I would watch again.

Review by M. Reynard 2011.