At the Movies with Fatwayne

How can you top a story combining the best actress of our time with the culinary talents of one of the best cooks of the ages? The answer is you really can’t when the actress is Meryl Streep portraying the legendary Julia Child. What a treat to watch Streep go through her paces as she literally becomes Julia Child.

The story goes back and forth from the present day with Julie Powell (Amy Adams) and the early years of Child’s education in the art of French cooking. For Julia’s part the setting is Paris  in the early ’50s. Meanwhile, Julie Powell needs a break from her uninspiring yet pressure filled job and would like nothing more than to become a writer. She decides that she will author a blog about her experience as she attempts to cook her way through Child’s cookbook “Mastering the Art of French Cooking”. There are 524 recipes which she will prepare in a single year and share her experiences with her audience. In the meantime we are taken back to the period when Julia Child was likewise looking for something to occupy her time and finally settles on cooking lessons.

As Julie prepares a dish we are witness to all of the trials and tribulations that befall her in this daunting quest. Then back we go to see how Julia is doing in her life and ultimate success as a cookbook author. The formula works quite successfully and it is fun to jump form one era to another to “catch up” on our two ladies.

I enjoyed learning about Julia Child and her relationship with husband Paul Child (Stanley Tucci) as well as her “can do” attitude despite the roadblocks placed in her path. Streep really nails Child’s character and unforgettable voice!

Julie Powell’s story is also interesting and she too has some obstacles to overcome. She has to balance her blog duties without alienating her husband, Eric Powell (Chris Messina).

Both of these couples are extremely likable and you want them to succeed. This is what makes this film so enjoyable. I left the theater feeling good and had the feeling that I would have loved to have met these people in real life.

I happen to own both volume 1 & 2 of Mastering the Art of French Cooking and must admit to you that I am intimated when it comes to trying out some of these recipes. I think that I will stick to my outdoor grilling for now!

For quotes from this movie go to  http://www.tvmoviequotes.com/juliejulia.htm

Rated – PG13 -

Fatwayne’s Rating –  -