365 days, 524 recipes. That is the task that frustrated temp secretary Julie Powell has set out to complete. Working her way through the rigorous cookbook of famous recipe maker Julia Child, Julie will experience the ups and downs that come with even the most simplistic food combinations. This journey, along with Julia's story of writing the now infamous book, comprises the soft and serene tale that is Julie & Julia.
Taken from two true stories, slightly connected though otherwise completely separate, Nora Ephron's film can easily be distinguished as a kind-hearted chick flick. However, by film's end, that notion had completely escaped my mind as the combined work of Amy Adams and Meryl Streep helped me overlook the whole cooking premise and see the film for what it really is: a witty and fun experience that plays on the personality of its actors, relying on them to bring a story of two women to life with force and a teaspoon of attitude.
Meryl Streep, arguably the best actress alive, steals every scene as the chipper and passionate Julia Child. Undecided on exactly what she wants to do in life, it takes some time for Julia to look to cooking as a profession. And when she does, her road to success isn't paved with desserts. She must practice day and night to fit into her professional class, and her advisor doesn't appreciate her attitude and overall drive for success. But as we all know, it is her journey from relatively unknown to cooking extraordinaire and published cookbook writer that is a real treat. The high-pitched 'Bonjour' and every over-done action makes Streep's performance simply priceless, leaving you in awe at every generation exchange.
Mixed between Streep's performance is a present day representation of Julie Powell, done brilliantly by the always amazing Amy Adams. Poised to represent the struggling working class citizen who longs for a sense of self-importance, Adams builds a character through emotions and actions. Her delivery is exquisite, especially during her voice-over narration, allowing the personality of Powell to shine through from beginning to end.
On the other side of the spectrum, both Stanley Tucci and Chris Messina give strong performances as the husbands of both women, preventing the film from being an overly zealous estrogen project. Instead, both male actors give the film balance, serving as each women's support - understanding their quest for a place to belong and allowing each to explore their potential.
As a whole, the film flows well, rising and falling as needed. However, my biggest disappointment with the feature was its final 45 minutes. Witty and stylistic in its approach, the conclusion seemed both abrupt and unsatisfying. Sure, the film is based on true events and therefore nothing can be altered (though Hollywood does it all the time). Regardless, the film needed closure. Although the final scene brings some, it never fully completes the task it sought after. Neither star ever shares the screen with the other, and it makes for a distinct division between the two stories, preventing either from crossing the plain of reason and truly affecting the other.
But don't let that deter you from going and enjoying this special type of film. Full of life, promise and success, Julie & Julia is an uplifting story that is sure to entertain the masses - from both sides of the gender pool.
