And…I thought the two stories existed on very diverse planes. Julia and Paul seemed real with triumphs and sorrows and just day-to-day believable life. Julie and whats-his-name seemed like a chic-lit story…not enough depth. Didn’t believe her hopes and her pain. Somehow…I believed Julia’s…was that just Meryl’s amazing acting?? Dunno.

For what it’s worth, Powell’s book also opens from “the Julia POV,” after she tells you “I just made stuff up” about Julia & Paul Child after reading their journals, letters, etc. Of course I found this out later. As stated in my review, I didn’t read ANYTHING until after I saw film.

But here’s the thing: if you do NOT see it my way, then you either have to believe Nora Ephron believes Julia Child really was perfect (had a perfect marriage, etc, etc), &/or you really have to believe Nora Ephron is so stupid that she didn’t realize “the real Julie” would be the loser in an actual cinematic face-off with “the real Julia.”

I find both of these options tremendously condescending. Perhaps people wish Nora Ephron had made a different movie (e.g., a Julia Child biopic) but she didn’t, so I suggest we all try to assess the one she actually made. Whaddya think?!?

Thazzit for now.

All best,
Jan

I have to echo everyone else in raving about Meryl Streep. She really captures the exuberant physicality of Julia Child. And of course, her comic timing is impeccable.

Although she’s generally a good actor, in this movie Amy Adams couldn’t surmount the role’s limitation. Maybe the problem for me and my spouse is that she reminded us too much of a friend of ours, who–lovely soul that she is–is quite earnestly self-absorbed in the manner of Julie Powell. Amy Adams couldn’t find that undefinable something in her character that would spark more sympathy from the audience. We idly wondered what other actor would do a better job, but we couldn’t quite come up with names. What do y’all think?

Jan Lisa Huttner, your take of the Julia part as representing Julie’s conception (vs the real Julia) is intriguing, and I agree that seeing it that away totally explains the movie. The problem is that it’s hard for the audience to get that, since the movie opens with the arrival of Julia before switching to the rather depressing reality of Julie.

Anyway, we had a good time watching it and I would recommend it to others. Meryl Streep rocks!

http://www.thehotpinkpen.com/?p=967

However, if you won’t go see this film for youself, then how will you know?!?

All best,
Jan

Here’s a good review I read over the weekend.

http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-4791-SF-International-Travel-Examiner~y2009m8d6-Film-Review-Julie–Julia

Andy

But I’m pretty sure I got at least three other people to go see it opening weekend through my shameless boosterism, so there’s that. And I’ll go sometime this week when I’m not blowing my nose every three minutes.

Only the first two rows were empty. I was sitting next to an older man who came on his own and he nearly split a gut laughing.

Overall, really fun! Meryl Streep is amazing (what else is new) and Amy Adams is quite cute. It’s a good performance by Ms. Adams, but when you’re sharing a movie with Meryl Streep, well, lets face it, not many people are going to notice.

Lastly, the men of J and J are great. They are a wonderful balance to the women and it’s great to see healthy adult relationships on screen.

Support good filmmaking with your entertainment dollar. See Julie and Julia and you won’t regret it.