There’s not much plot to Julie & Julia, but with Meryl Streep channeling Julia Child and Amy Adams at her elfin cutest, who cares? Nora Ephron’s movie bounces back and forth from Julia Child’s search to dispel the boredom of being the lanky wife to a U. S. diplomat in Paris and Julie’s search to find something to give her life meaning. Both women come to the same conclusion: cooking. Julia Child learns how to cook French food and writes a legendary cookbook. Decades later, Julie starts blogging and decides to cook all 524 recipes in Mastering the Art of French Cooking in 365 days. The characters never meet. There’s no suspense. The biggest surprise is that Julia Child and her husband (played winningly by Stanley Tucci) live into their 90’s despite all the butter in Child’s recipes. GRADE: B
Save the chicken!
Is there anything Meryl can’t do?
I wouldn’t want to see Meryl Streep in MAMMA MIA! again, Jeff.
MAMMA MIA takes a lot of abuse, but I felt buoyant watching it.
As a guy who’s seen MAMMA MIA! three times in Toronto, once in Vegas, and once in Buffalo I can attest that the stage version is INFINITELY better than the movie version, Patti. If the stage version was in driving distance, I’d go see it again.
I agree with George. We’ve seen MAMMA MIA! four times in London and loved it.
The movie sucked big time.
“Sucked” is too kind, Jeff. The movie version of MAMMA MIA! was crap!
I’m eager to see this film, as soon as it comes to Netflix.
Patti, if you felt buoyant watching MAMMA MIA, I think you’ll float away once you start reading the Holmes stories.
You’re right about the spell the Holmes stories cast, Rick. Once I start reading them, I’m completely transported into that Victorian world.
I did see it and it was better. But Meryl Streep cavorting down that mountainside was pretty special. And I love Christine Baranski. And of course, Colin Firth.
Ah, but you’re leaving out Pierce Brosnan’s “singing,” Patti. Excruciating!
Okay, what’s the best Holmes to read after HOUNDS.
I’d start on page one of THE ANNOTATED SHERLOCK HOLMES and keep reading until page 1378, Patti. But that’s just me…
And I hope to find out just what “me” is in October.
I’m counting the days, Patti!
Hound of the Baskervilles.