Oh, I just adored "Julie & Julia." It was a simple, lovely, touching movie. You should all go see it.
Meryl Streep, whom I was never a big fan of minus my secret love of "Death Becomes Her," won me over a little in "The Devil Wears Prada" but now, after this flick, I have to admit I'm a fan. She was INSANE in this role and will surely get another Oscar nomination for it. If she doesn't, I am quite sure Julia Child will rise up from the dead and beat the Academy voters with her rolling pin.
Julia Child was strange, gigantic in stature and personality, and totally lovable. Her husband, whom I had no knowledge of previously, was clearly devoutly in love with her and I have to admit as Paul Child, I totally fell in love with Stanley Tucci.
As Julie, Amy Adams is kind of frumpy and dowdy but I suppose that's the point. Regardless, I decided that ultimately, you just fall in love with her too and if you've ever had any experience with self-doubt or fledgling friendships, you will too. A big stand out to me was Chris Messina, who played Julie's sainted husband. I am sure I've seen him somewhere... he was adorkable. I loved him, too.
Three things I immediately knew after seeing this movie:
1. I want to go to Paris. My GOD, it was stunning. I've had a long-standing resentment of France and all its inhabitants (thank you near-death Air France experience) but I am suddenly burning to go there now. My friend and I were considering calling in French and getting on a plane tomorrow...
2. I am HUNGRY. LOL. If you go see this movie, treat yourself to some insanely decadent meal afterward. It is the only way you'll be satisfied. You will look down at your popcorn or candy is disgust and want whatever luscious, buttery thing you can dream of... The food in this movie! OH. MY. GOD. Man, I wish I could cook...
3. Oh how I miss New York. Not that I don't ALWAYS miss it anyway but the few moments in this movie where New York gets to play a part... I miss it so much. There was one scene in particular that reminded me of my friends and I -- I found a picture:
Oh, we're not even this fancy but as Julie and Eric found glamour and warmth on the rooftop of their shitty Queens apartment building, it reminded me of fabulous BBQs and beer club and my best friend.
Well, as Julia would say, kids, BON APPETIT!!!