A chocolate pie giving you a good appetite

I watched Julie and Julia because of Director of Sleepless in Seattle, Nora Ephron, and a phenomenal actress, Meryl Streep. The movie, a real feast for food lovers, is about two women who become famous because of their enthusiasm for cooking.

Julie and Julia have different personalities and purposes of cooking, but both of them do possess genuine passion for cooking and courage to pursue their dreams against all odds e.g. middle age and discrimination against females. The movie encourages us to ask ourselves a question. What do we really like to do? The regimen is to do it. With a goal, determination and action taken, one will survive the hardships. Personally, I do relate myself to Julie. I have just turned 30 and the opening of her blog reminds me of the opening of Move Thee Reviews. When Julie's mum asked her who would read her blog, a flicker of a smile crossed my face since I once asked myself this question.

This light-hearted and feel-good drama reminds me of several movies. The first few scenes in France make me think of Ratatouille and Julie's articles in her blog resemble the ones in Sex and the City. Like the Hours, the movie also points out the difficulties faced by female writers in the old times and the differences between two eras e.g. blogmates VS pen friends.

Although Meryl Streep has a talent unmatched by most of the actresses, Amy Adams also gives a convincing performance though her character may not please everybody. Thanks to the bewitching theme song, Time after Time by Margaret Whiting, the two women are linked. The set is also beautifully crafted, capturing the mood of two different eras and cities.

The movie would have been more satisfying if the linkage between Julie and Julia had been further developed. For instance, Julia¡¦s influence on Julie as well as Julie¡¦s story can be strengthened. I also find Eric's confrontation with Julie too sudden.

On the whole, Julie and Julia is a tangy chocolate cream pie which can give you a good appetite.


Reviewed by: Kenji Chan