Julie and Julia (2009)
Infrequent coarse language
| Director: | Nora Ephron |
| Actors: | Amy Adams, Meryl Streep, Jane Lynch, Chris Messina, Stanley Tucci, Mary Lynn Rajskub |
Julie Powell (Amy Adams) is 30 years old, living in a run-down apartment in Queens and working at a soul-sucking secretarial job that's going nowhere. She needs something to break the monotony of her life, and she invents a deranged assignment. She will take her mother's dog-eared copy of Julia Child's 1961 classic Mastering the art of French cooking, and she will cook all 524 recipes. In the span of one year. At first she thinks it will be easy. But as she moves from the simple Potage Parmentier (potato soup) into the more complicated realm of aspics and crepes, she realizes there's more to mastering the art of French cooking than meets the eye. With Julia's stern warble always in her ear, Julie haunts the local butcher, buying kidneys and sweetbreads. She sends her husband on late-night runs for yet more butter and rarely serves dinner before midnight. She discovers how to mould the perfect Orange Bavarian, the trick to extracting marrow from bone, and the intense pleasure of eating liver. And somewhere along the line she realises she has turned her kitchen into a miracle of creation and cuisine. She has eclipsed her life's ordinariness through spectacular humour, hysteria, and perseverance.
| Status: | QuickPick |
|---|---|
| Run time: | 123mins |
| Origin: | UNITED STATES |
| Aspect Ratio: | 16:9 |
If you like this, try these:
Member Reviews (161)
161 Member
Reviews
says
All I can say is not for me, i found it boring.
says
Don't waste your time. Meryl Streep is totally over rated with that terrible phony accent, is that supposed to be french?
I didn't complete watching the movie, put off by Meryl Streep's voice amongst other things.
5 stars
says
A ;;ovely warmhearted comedy/
says
Very Nice movie
Fiona
says
Love this feelgood movie
Vicstar1969
says
A lovely feel good story. This film makes you feel anything is possible. Love the scenes in Paris. Loved all the cooking. Great film....
TeeJay
says
I hate cooking and cooking shows yet I found myself completing engaged in this film.
Jtate
says
loved this movie, Merryl Streep at her best, will watch it again
Kowal
says
Good if you're into cooking and blogs, I guess. I thought Amy's character with the blogging was one-dimensional sometimes, but I suppose that's what it's about. A bit of a chick flick, I guess (my other half really liked it)..
Perry Vlahos
says
If you're used to movies with lots of violence, car chases and people getting shot up, you're going to hate this movie - it has none. Forget the instant gratification, too. At the risk of sounding cliched, this movie is no quick take-away, its the full sit-in three course meal. You will need a little grown-up patience to savour all of its delights. The acting, especially the interaction of Streep and Tucci, is beautifully captured, creating believable characters such as you find in real life. Stick with it and you'll get to the dessert.
jadeashy
says
Very entertaining. Love Meryl Streep
Lexie Lord
says
OK, but probably not my type of movie
cheryl
says
yes i did enjoy this film,not what i expected
SVR
says
I liked it but couln't stay awake
Robbie
says
What a gorgeous flick! The "Julie" storyline wasn't nearly as well done as the "Julia" one, but then again, being compared side by side to meryl Streep is a pretty tough ask! The bit I liked best (apart from the terrfic Paris sets) was the portrayal of the love story between Julia & Paul Childs. What a great actor Stanley Tucci is. So many people haven't even heard of him, but he is a real scene stealer.
hatmat2
says
i totally hate this movie
moggie65
says
I totally loved this movie and with the amazing Meryl Streep in the role of Julia Child - well, what a classic portrayal - what more can I say? Brilliant!
pietam6.
says
Wonderful, well acted and enertaining. Very interesting story and well written. Both characters interesting and well drawn.
Glenys
says
Really enjoyed this one.
Jenny
says
What a fun uplifting movie, thoroughly enjoyed. Merryl never fails to impress
tracy
says
quite good well written wouldnt watch it more than once
Rita
says
thinking to do a similar thing...so motivating
Di S
says
Not too bad. Another chick only movie.
Carol
says
I was surprised how much I enjoyed this movie. The blurb about the storyline doesn't do it justice. Meryl Streep is a wonderful, wonderful actress.
Karen
says
Sooooo Boooooooring but had to watch to the end, didn't get any better
Jen
says
Very entertaining. Not a chic flick but one my husband & I both enjoyed.
moviebuff
says
Slow story, good food.
LM
says
What a great story. I didn't realise it was a true story. It was funny and sad and interesting. Even the husband's would enjoy this chic flick
Stephanie
says
A blast...must see movie
Deborah
says
wasnt a great movie, had no interesting storyline
Jamie
says
Didn't think I'd like this one, added to the list at the insistence of she who must be obeyed. I found it an unexpectedly good watch. So much so that I bought the recipe books for Christmas.
Mickey G
says
Good film and worth a view on a Saturday night with nothing else to do but hang with your favourite girl.
MargW
says
Thoroughly enjoyed movie. Husband thought it was "Ok" - more a chick-flick. wish I'd known about the museum when I was at the Smithsonian last October.
barb
says
this movie is so over the top would not recommemd it to anyone
Ingrid
says
Thoroughly enjoyed this. Cooking enthusiasts would appreciate it.
Salhornb
says
Poorly written film saved somewhat by Merryl Streeps performance. I found the modern half of the film to be twee and unintertesting
Pauline
says
Good light entertainment, although I felt the Julia (Meryl Streep) role was borrowed from her role in Its Complicated. Cinematography around Paris was lovely.
lil
says
Although i love meryl and amy this movie fell flat for me, not a fan of this movie at all.
Lindy
says
I was a bit disappointed in this movie. Thought wil Meryl Streep in it it would have been better.
Carolyn
says
I was ravenous watching this movie - it will make you want to eat and eat. Amy was gorgeous in this role. Once you get over Meryl's accent she is rather good - she transcends into whatever character she plays - genius. Watch when you're in a chick flick mood.
Sheri
says
This movie is totally inspirational! Anyone wanting to create their own destiny should watch it. I hope Meryl Streep was nominated for an Oscar for her role.
Heather
says
Enjoyed a lot....both Julie and Julia ROCK! Laughed and cried!
DM
says
Enjoyed it, not a bad movie. The food was making me hungry while watching it.
Meryl Streep is always good in any character she plays.
Philippa
says
Reasonable storyline but bit slow
Jan
says
Kept interest reasonable dvd
beth gingell
says
Not the best movie we have ever seen the acting could have been better
Kitty
says
Very Cute movie, one for the girls.
Colleen
says
Loved this movie. Now want a whole movie with Meryl Streep and Stanley Tucci. Very warm hearted, all characters treated with love. Easy and fun to watch.
frodosmum
says
Really enjoyed this movie, was amusing in parts and even my husband had a chuckle.
Elisha
says
I really liked this movie, Meryl Streep is fantastic and I also liked Amy Adams. Very interesting story.
Kate
says
Great acting, good 'feel good' film. Enjoyed by mature audiences as well as younger ones!
Julie
says
Absolutely fantastic! Better than the book.....Meryl Streep is just a joy to watch.
gay crosland
says
gr8, loved it!
Janice Feszt
says
Terrible voice on the leading actres. Boring.
Paula
says
Love the story and how they merged the couples together.
Meryl Streep playing a masculine type woman didn't quite suit her.
The main younger character stated she was putting on weight with all the cooking/eating she doing, I didn't see much of a change in her appearance.
Jus
says
In the hands of Meryl Streep Julia was sexy, sassy, full of life, vulnerable and strong. Stanley Tucci was perfectly complementary to Meryl Streep's Julia, he was understated wit, but also portrayed Eric Childs' great love for his wife. Amy Adams was Julie, she portrayed beautifully the vulnerability and strength of Julie. Contrasting post war France and post 9/11 New York was an interesting study in the movie. The food scenes made this viewer want to be there with knife and fork at the ready, it is reminiscent of "Like Water For Chocolate".
gruntle
says
Lovely story of two marriages and food. Thoroughly enjoyed.
roger11
says
loved it, was interesting and entertaining
caroline
says
Excellent, inspirational loved it.
Dee
says
Zzz, I thought this would be at least interesting, but was a disappointment.
Julia
says
I did enjoy this movie. The changing storyline between the two characters was interesting. Meryl Streep was amazing as always. The ending was a bit of a disappointment though.
Issy
says
I wouldn't recommend for kids, bit boring but if you really stick to it, you could enjoy it. Amy Adams and Meryl Streep, two great actors, not their best I have to say. Depends what you like really.
jacqueline Patterson
says
Not the best of Meryle Streep a little boring in parts but stayed to the end.... being it was a true story it was okay.....
The second movie I got was Sex in the city it was good I enjoyed it very much funny in parts love the hotels in it..... I gav e it a 5 star very good loved it very much...
Courtney
says
Good for a laugh and a relaxation movie, but not overly memorable, definitely a only-watch-once movie.
MeeMee
says
Enjoyed immensely
Jac
says
a little boring
Kylie
says
Terrible movie, very slow and boring.
Janine
says
Slightly ho hum........................
G.Ross
says
This movie ok also but it stoped and froze and had to be fast forwarded several times.
Stephen
says
Streep is great in the role of Julia Child, a woman who turned America on to the joys of French cooking. Julia Child's story is juxtaposed with that of Julie the New York blogger who sets out to cook every recipe in Child's book of French cooking.
If you like Masterchef you will love this movie. Highly recommended!
doogy
says
good movie and story line.
Carmel
says
Could Meryl Streep be any more annoying as Julia Childs? Movie was okay, but that shrill of a voice was so annoying that I could not work out why anyone would love Julia Childs after listening to that voice. Arggghhhh
Sandi
says
Loved it. It was a wonderful movie to watch. Great acting. Perfect.
Rhi
says
Good movie but had a bit of an anticlimax at the end.
Jody
says
Loved it. A heartwarming, funny, entertaining movie. Thoroughly recommend it especially to foodies.
Leah
says
Nice, funny, good
helenm
says
I didn't enjoy this movie, very slow and boring
John F
says
I rather surprised myself by enjoying this very much. Adams was a bit of a bore, but Streep was terrific. Very entertaining.
jessica
says
Really nice chick flick, but my husband watched it and enjoyed it as well
Nena
says
Really disappointed with this movie. Very slow and uninteresting.
kathy
says
Found this to be rather boring even though Meryl Streep was good the rest of it was just a bit yawn!
LaydeJ
says
A sweet film with a predictable ending. Julie is having a small mid-life crisis about where she is going in life and sets herself a challenge to complete every recipe possible from a French cooking book "Mastering the Art of French Cooking" written by Julia Childs. Along the way the challenge affects her relationship, she grows in self esteem and becomes a well-rounded person. This is not a particulary thought provoking room but is as sweet as a chocolate fondant!
Kelly
says
Didn't meet the hype. Streep was great, and if the film had been all about Julia Childs, then bring it on. But the life of Julie was tremendously yawn, and the film was too long. Cut the Julie bits.
N27
says
Highly entertaining.
JJ
says
The Dingo took my Beef Bourguignon! Would have enjoyed an early night instead
Joan
says
Wasnt to my taste
Vebica
says
This is a beautiful little film. A feel good movie, set in the cosy surrounds of a 30 something's apartment and many kitchens. Long term love is palpable between the older couple. I feel better for having watched this movie. Great after a long day at work.
kerry
says
Fantastic movie so enjoyable. Love Julia Childs
Naomi
says
Good, entertaining film. I watched this after just finishing the book, and was only a little disappointed that the main character 'Julie' was not very similar to the gutsy, dark-humoured Julie of the book. That being said, I can understand why the character was toned down and it works well in the movie. Meryl Streep is a delight as always. You may want to watch Julia Child clips on YouTube after seeing the film, just to see how well Streep did in recreating Julia.
RR
says
Good story but I found the movie a little slow in parts.
Niamh
says
I'm not sure what the members who found this movie unexciting were expecting from a movie about cookery. This was a lovely sweet film, I thought, an easy watch. Meryl Streep's accent was a little annoying but apparently she did a great job of imitating the real Julia Childs. One for a Monday night.
Janie K
says
entertaining, something a little unusual. Thought Meryl Streep did an excellent job, loved the costumes and the storyline.
Stephanie
says
I hired this movie because I think Muriel Streep is a fantastic actress. However, it is sooooooooooooooo slow and boring. I had to turn it off before the end.
***
says
Not a bad film, not much action, wife went to sleep
cassandra
says
I really enjoyed this , its an easy watch.
Pammy
says
Boring! Glad I didn't pay to see it at the movies
mu
says
What a waste of a good cast. Meryl Streep,usually so good was very annoying,Amy Adams was even more so. Fell asleep twice, & my husband snored through the whole thing.
PAT
says
DID'NT LIKE IT
DIDNT LIKE IT MERYL ACCENT GRATED
pato
says
i was expecting more from this. not exactly my cup of tea and i just couldnt get my head around meryl streeps french accent. to long, couldnt hold my attention and boring in places.even stopped it and took a break hoping it would get better. but alas it failed . believe me there are better movies out there.
itscaro
says
A truly Dreadful Merryl Streep, doing a really BAD accent as Julia. The other character of Julie was really quite good, such a shame for her to be paired with Merryl in this movie.
Kelly
says
Nice story but pretty boring. There was no excitement or real plot. Would give this one a miss as there are far better movies to watch.
Ernie Castle
says
I really liked this one. The acting was excellent. I enjoyed both story lines and the switching between the 2 generations was seemless. Definitely need to watch this one with a glass of red.
Alison
says
My friend
Pamela
says
We really enjoyed the film - of course Meryl Streep is always good and the scenes around Paris were wonderful.
Jane
says
Big fan of cooking DVD's and this was a great tribute to the talented and forthright Julia Childs. Made me want to go out and buy her cookbook, which I did....her recipes have a wow factor...yummy!!!
Kristen
says
Something different, enjoyed it.
Jo
says
I was not a fan of this movie. I usually love any movie with Meryle Streep but this one disappointed me
Claudia
says
Great movie, brilliant acting by Meryl Streep. I found her character very amusing, and inspiring and the love between her and her husband beautiful, and to think it wasn't a fictional romance story! Julia Childs shows you how far determination, perseverance, and stubborness for the things you love can take you.
Makes you want to run to the bookstore grab a copy of the book and start cooking!
Kaylene
says
It was ok
Anita L.
says
I wanted to watch the movie because it is about food and I love cooking and eating. The food is an important part of the movie, but I think the movie focuses more on the lives of Julie and Julia and the goals they want to achieve.
Naomi
says
Bit of a slow movie
Roger. M
says
The movie didn’t annoy me the actors did, Meryl Streep needs to take a brake from doing light comedies like ‘‘it’s complicated'' and do some real acting. Amy Adams looked like a man which relly annoyed me. Apart from that it’s a good movie
BrianM
says
Mery Streep does it AGAIN. She is brilliant as Julia Child and so like the real Julia (whom I saw in an old TV clip on U-tube). It's incredible. I always like Amy Adams and Stanley Tucci is just great as Julia's husband. The cameo by Jane Lynch as Julia's sister is a gem and the reaction when Julia receives a letter from her sister with good news is heartbreaking.
JenniferT
says
This was like two movies being shown in short alternate segments. The movie about Julia Child was excellent, very watchable and there was fantastic chemistry between Meryl Streep and Stanley Tucci. However, the other movie, the one about Julie Powell cooking her way through Julia Child's cookbook, was very unpleasant to watch and left me wondering "Why did I waste my time on this?". The whole reason for her doing the cooking seemed to be about shallow self-promotion and gimmickry, and was in stark contrast to the very interesting and perceptive Julia Child story.
Tracey
says
This was suprisingly different. Funny and refreshing - certainly worth a look.
Maria
says
Very good Sunday night flick. Highly recommended.
Kristie
says
Fairly good movie,couldn't say i'd watch it over and over but makes me want to cook :)
Megs
says
I didn't have very high expectations for this film going in, because I'd heard a few bad reviews. But I really enjoyed it. Meryl Streep was incredible as always, and the fact that it was based on two true stories means it wasn't all Hollywood feel-good and happy endings all the way through.
It was hilarious for the most part, but got a little slow towards the end. Still very good.
Marg
says
Enjoyable movie if you can get over Meryl Streep's voice (or should I say her characters voice!). Fun concept and kept me watching until the end but not as funny as it could have been. Worth the watch though.
Alex Hansa
says
Two women from different time zones both have one thing in common - they love cooking. The contrasting scenariuos are halerious. Great acting.
marina
says
Lovely movie, beautifully acted. Highly recommended
Jodie B.
says
I loved this movie. It wasn't totally what I expected but that is a good thing.
I loved the way they meshed the 2 stories together.
Peggy
says
I cannot see is what the point of this movie. It is quite boring. Skip this one.
Rita
says
If you can stomach Meryl Streep's voice in this film you can enjoy an aspirational tale about people who follow their hearts and get their just desserts! One of the few films of late that I've seen that shows an accurate portrayal of the druggery of 9 to 5 office work and all it entails - the commute, rude people on the phone etc etc. Welcome to my world. Maybe I should dust off my French cook book - or better still, get Julia's! An interesting side note - the real Julia appears on TV in Desperately Seeking Susan - and yes she did talk like that!
Sarah C
says
Light hearted and funny. Merryl Streep just gets better and better, doesnt she?
Jillian
says
This movie was funny and serious and showed off Meryl Streep's incredible talent. I loved it.
William
says
Very well acted by both actresses. This is a feel good movie and makes one feel that that should go out and buy Julia Childs cook book.
Marisa
says
A girls movie, a bit slow but an ok watch
Tanya
says
Maybe the hype made me expect more from this movie. It was enjoyable but I was hoping for a much better movie. Meryl Streep was OK but I thought Amy Adams was the better actress. Just goes to show you can't always belive the hype.
Joshua
says
Was a good movie, a bit slow at times and a little improbable. Definitely enjoyed by the right type of viewer.
Mel I.
says
Agree with Andrew's review. Loved the parts with Meryl Streep, she was wonderful
Anna R.
says
Was the real Julia Child such a caricature of herself, or is it Meryl Streep overacting ?
Watch the special features for an interview with the real Julie Powell - she should have played herself in the movie!
And although it is disappointing that Julia Child refused to see Julie Powell, at least Nora Ephron did not change that in the movie!
Andrew S.
says
A surprisingly good movie that brings 2 story lines together in a very clever manner. Meryl Streep is at her brilliant best (is there anything that woman cannot do)! I thoroughly enjoyed this movie.
Danuta
says
I enjoyed it, but sad to say it could have been better. I think it's tricky to pull two true stories together in such a way one doesnt' detract from the other.
This film did detract and if I had my "rathers" I'd rather have seen a film made on the story of Julia Childs (Meryl Streep's character) she was far more colourful than Julie. One could feel that the director (Nora Ephron) did her best to pull these two stories together, but for me she didn't quite pull it off. Meryl's wonderful as always but the "voice" she gave Julia was a little disconcerting at times. Visually lovely.
Pamela
says
Simply wonderful performances by Meryl Streep and Amy Adams. Meryl once again convinces the audience that she is the character she plays. I enjoyed this film as it was beautiful directed by Nora Ephron.
Emily J
says
Very good feel, feel good, great acting, made me so hungry and remember my passion for cooking. Meryl so should have won the oscar.
Zakgirl
says
Because I am a writer, love cooking and enjoy Meryl Streep, this movie particularly appealed to me. It was a simple premise presented well. My husband also enjoyed it, although not as much as I did. It had a good ending that was not overly predictable; something I like in a film.
The new-to-me, Amy Adams, was enjoyable. I don't think I've heard of Amy Adams before but after this movie I think she should definitely get further work. She was an enjoyable character that played a very interesting role.
Andrew
says
We really didn't like the Amy Adams character. Insipid and fragile. It was much more enjoyable watching Meryl Streep revel in her role, and I found myself quickly getting bored with Julie and wanting to see more and more of Julia. A terrific performance (again) from Streep that makes this film excellent, light viewing.
Sing
says
good
Karolina K.
says
i think i was expecting more. it felt a bit flat and non-exciting at times.
meryl streep is a winner as always and amy adams is as annoying as ever. LOVE stanley tucci.
seamless script writing in the ability to parallel 2 very unique stories together without even introducing the protagonists to one another.
Teresa
says
there was nothing wrong with the movie
Deborah
says
I enjoyed this - I am not usually a huge fan of Meryl Streep but this was good viewing.
Melissa L.
says
loved it! it was bit different and quirky and kept you interested. great story.
Jennifer
says
Very entertaining movie, great story
Ann E.
says
I really wanted to enjoy this movie as I love Meryl Streep but half way through I asked my Husband and we had to admit that it just wasn't holding our attention. Nothing wrong just uninteresting and lacking in entertainment..
Julie R.
says
Boring - couldnt finish it...
Jean F.
says
Marvellous film. Meryl Streep and Stanley Tucci are just terrific in their portrayal of Paul and Julia Childs. Highly recommended.
Elizabeth S.
says
I pretty much agree with other reviewer comments below.
Though I found the story very intriguing, I did not like Meryl Streep in this role. I found her accent came across as very 'put on' and unrealistic. Having said this, I have heard that Julia Childs was a very eccentric person, so perhaps she sounded like this. I've travelled extensively and worked with people from numerous cultural backgrounds, however, I couldn't get past the Meryl Streeps accent in this- it sounded like a younger person trying to sound elderly. For me it really spoiled the movie. If an older actress had played this perhaps I would have enjoyed it more. I wouldn't recommend it to any of my friends. Sorry.
Amour S.
says
Excellent move, I loved it all the way. I would recommend this to anyone who loves to cook. Loved to watch Meryl Streep do her thing! Happy endings yahoo.
Fiona
says
love it. very inspiring
Kylie K.
says
I loved this movie! Meryl Streep is endearing as Julia Child and Amy Powel absolutely wonderful as Julie. I could relate to her 'meltdowns'.
It made me hungry for more!!!
Ross M.
says
A gentle and entertaining movie showing the lives of 2 very different Julia's.
A great movie if you love food. It inspires you to try cooking something different - although not ready to debone an entire duck quite yet!!
Kerrie H.
says
A thoroughly entertaining movie full of love and laughter and good food. I have watched it twice in two days. Meryl Streep, as always, is superb capturing the real Julia Child in every way but the real surpirse star is Amy Adams. You really care for her character Julie. She is delightful. More than just a chick flick, it has something for everyone.
Gerd
says
A thoroughly enjoyable movie which is very cleverly done, moving seamlessly between two different eras. And how different the post-war era was to today. The change in our lives, society and behaviour as presented here is quite remarkable, and something we usually don't think about. One could wish for a movie-like intersection between past and present, but these are stories of real people and we have to be satisfied with reality.
Nessie
says
A beautiful movie. Very well made and Meryl Streep and Amy Adams shine in this together. Made me want to leap out of my chair at the end of the movie and cook!!! And who knows i may even take a note out of Julie Powells book and start my own blog on a cookbook!
Barbara
says
Brilliant - Meryl Streep at her best! Enjoyed every scene and didn't want the movie to finish.
yeo44
says
a delightful light hearted movie, Meryl street as usual playing her wonderfully, as a diplamates wife, who ends up translating a french cookbook into english, and a lso a young board housewife who makes a decision to work through the book by actually cooking every reciepe then as to how she managed and result of the reciepe, and how she felt after the challange , and entering it onto bloc
Marg O.
says
Loved it, loved it, Loved it. Meryl Streep is phenomenal and the rest of the cast isn't bad either!
Ken T.
says
The Hole in the Floor.... attention holding tale of command, will
Luisa E.
says
I can't say I knew anything about Julia Childs before seeing this movie. She was a little different. Such a great movie. There's love and laughter, sad times and good times. It was everything you want. Who would have thought cooking could bring so much emotion into one's life. A job well done!
Kylie S.
says
Saw it today... had been waiting to see it since I first saw trailers afew months ago.
Was everything I hoped and more.
Funny, timely, tender. AWESOME FILM!
Amy was great, Meryl was superb! LOVE the supporting cast