Julie & Julia - 3 1/2 smiles

“Julie & Julia” is a deliciously satisfying movie about food and marriage although I would suggest that you don’t see this on an empty stomach because you’re going to develop a craving for bœuf bourguignon by the time the credits roll. Director Nora Ephron intertwines two true stories: Julia Child (Meryl Streep) revolutionized the American housewife’s notions about cooking in the early 1960s with Mastering the Art of French Cooking. Newly settled in Paris with her diplomat husband, Paul (Stanley Tucci), she fell in love with the fresh, wonderful flavors of French cooking and, with Paul’s staunch support, decided to study at the Cordon Bleu. At six feet tall with a high-pitched voice, she was an unlikely gourmet, but she was passionate, knowledgeable and completely fearless. With the completion of her cookbook, Julia moved onto television where she charmed American audiences with her sense of humor, enthusiasm, and bœuf bourguignon.

In 2002, Julie Powell, a low-level cubicle worker, faced the fact that her life had little meaning. She and her husband Eric (Chris Messina) lived in a tiny apartment with an even smaller kitchen above a pizza place. During the day Julie listened to the problems of people seeking help with their 9/11-related injuries and losses. After work, she escaped her dissatisfaction by cooking. Wanting to complete something, Julie, with Eric’s encouragement, decided to work her way through Julia’s massive cookbook, cooking all 500+ recipes in one year and she would blog about her experiences. This became ‘The Julie/Julia Project.’

Meryl Streep is fantastic as the heart of the story. She more than impersonates Julia Child; she becomes Julia Child and you smile all the while she’s on the screen. Amy Adams has the more difficult job of making the sometimes bitchy, egocentric Julie an engaging character. But Adams’ skill draws you in, gaining your allegiance as Julie attempts this challenging task. The supporting cast is equally good, especially Tucci. “Julie & Julia” is about food, love, following your dreams and butter, lots and lots of butter. 9/9/09