Monday, August 31, 2009

REVIEW: Julie & Julia


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THEATRICAL RELEASE REVIEW

Julie & Julia

Director: Nora Ephron

Cast: Meryl Streep, Amy Adams, Stanley Tucci

Screenwriter: Nora Ephron

Run Time: 123 minutes

Release Date: August 7, 2009



The Film:

The starring duo of Academy Award Nominated Doubt reunites for another solid film. This time, however, Amy Adams and Meryl Streep never share the screen with one another. And while that's regretable, it's not necessary as these two leading ladies bring powerful performances that forces the audience to actually forget they're watching a movie.

When claims agent Julie Powell (Adams) begins to brain storm with her husband (Chris Messina) on how to find a release from her boring and emotionally taxing job, she's reminded that her failed attempts at writing in the past lend themselves well to starting a blog. After many ideas, Powell decides to embrace her love for cooking as well and undertakes the massive project of going through all 524 of Julia Child's recipes... in 365 days.

Meanwhile - and masterfully done, I might add - the story of Child (Streep) rising to master chef is told intermittently. Her trying to get into a cooking class, all the resistance once there, her being asked to contribute to a cooking book. It's all there and told wonderfully. Streep's peformance as Child is worth seeing in and of itself and is more than worthy of an Oscar nomination.

This PG-13 movie is basically a must-see for anyone who even remotely knew who Child was. And even though you may have never heard of Julie Powell and her quest to master her idol, you don't need to. Adams' portrayal of Powell makes you feel like you've known her all along and only enhances the film if you just there to watch Streep.

Jeremy's grade = B+