Julie & Julia Review...
I posted this on my
Facebook page. I thought you might enjoy it.
As a dedicated, proud foodie who watched
The Fench Chef, Julia and Company, Julia and MORE Company, Julia Child's Kitchen, Baking with Julia and just about every other media vehicle she's ever created - I am for this movie, what I'd like to call "an educated audience."
J/J is the very intricate combining of two true stories. The stories of the culinary legend as played by Meryl Streep and the young blogger (Amy Adams) "tag team" throughout the movie to demonstrate how cooking and food changed both of their lives. I had heard rumors of the Julie Powell portion of the story "bogging down" or "cluttering" the Julia Child portion - but this only happens if the viewer is seeking "The Life Story of Julia Child" which this movie is
not; so don't go expecting that.
If you want to witness the affect Julia Child had on one particular young woman who felt she was floundering and seeking her own personal power - You will be absolutely delighted. If you seek a full-on Julia Child biography, you will experience
Julia Interruptus.
The movie ends as
Mastering The Art of French Cooking is first published by Knopf and Julia is absolutely ecstatic. The Julie Powell story line ends as Powell completes her final dish from
Mastering, the media discovers her blog and the book offers begin, via more than 60 messages left on her answering machine.
I went into the theatre armed with the knowledge that this was NOT a "Julia Child" movie - and I'm glad I did. I thoroughly enjoyed Julie & Julia
at face value. I would, however, love to see a spinoff/sequel of the continuation of the Julia Child portion of the movie. We never got to appreciate how Paul supported Julia's career once his OSS/CIA position ended. He made her rolling pins, he designed her kitchen with high countertops to accommodate her towering height. He worked tirelessly on several of her PBS series and he was always her biggest cheerleader.
J/J demonstrated how Julia Child became the icon whose memory we love and treasure. The Powell portion of the movie was uplifting because as she became more accomplished in the kitchen, you can't help but be proud of her. Frankly, I could kick myself for not coming up with the idea of blogging my way through a difficult cookbook but I applaud her for having the imagination to give birth to the idea. Aside from a few extra inches around the waistline, it looked like a fun project.
If you're a foodie, go see the movie. As long as you approach it with the understanding that it's not a Julia Child biography, you should leave the theatre with a sense of satisfaction that a person like Julia lived, proud of your own accomplishments at cutting board and stove - and a distinct craving for French food. <3
