Forget Nicolas Cage and the big-budget blockbuster quest for riches because America's truest national treasure has been found: Mrs. Julia Child. Written for the screen and directed by Nora Ephron (When Harry Met Sally, Sleepless in Seattle), Julie and Julia cleverly weaves together the two true stories of Julia Child's memoir My Life in France and Julie Powell's book Julie and Julia, which chronicles how Julia changed her life without ever meeting. (And no offense was intended to Mr. Cage. I'll take back my opening statement whenever he gets his own exhibit in the Smithsonian.)
Each woman's story is highly relatable and inspirational to almost anyone, so do not make the mistake of labeling this film as just a chick flick. Transplanted to post-World War II Paris for her husband's job, Julia Child finally found her life's calling in her late thirties, while Julie Powell finally found her voice through her ingenious blog written from her post-9/11 New York apartment. The Julie/Julia Project began as Powell's attempt to cook every recipe in Child's "Mastering the Art of French Cooking"- all 524 of them-in 365 days and write about the experience. (Anyone familiar with the cookbook will appreciate what an industrious feat this was to undertake. It took me two days to get the charlotte Malakoff aux fraises right, for Pete's sake!)
Meryl Streep's portrayal of Julia Child was every bit as delightful and endearing as the real thing. (For an example of just how spot-on she was, see The Potato Show from season one of The French Chef.) Amy Adams did a marvelous job as Julie Powell, and her performance will leave you rolling on the floor laughing and crying much as her character does. Because of these two women I will forever look differently at hot cannelloni and the Talking Heads song Psycho Killer. Not to neglect the men behind these talented females, if you have read her memoir then you will know how remarkably believable Stanley Tucci plays Julia's husband, Paul Child. From their chemistry to his physical likeness, Mr. Tucci helps bring to life a shining example of love, teamwork, and companionship.
Every bit as inspiring and fearless today as she was in 1961 with the publication of her culture-changing cookbook Mastering the Art of French Cooking, Julia Child's legacy lives on to teach and embolden new generations, to spread the appreciation and application of French culinary wisdom. Having not grown up in a house that watched The French Chef, the movie Julie and Julia made me wish that I had. Charming, witty, and encouraging, this film reminds people of the importance of following their dreams, especially those that involve butter. Bon apptit indeed!