Thursday 17 September 2009

Film: Julie and Julia

Do go and see Julie and Julia at the cinema. Good fun for girls. It ticked a lot of boxes for me: Paris, cooking, Meryl and screenwriter Norah Ephron (When Harry Met Sally etc), plus blogging and publishing.
I expect you've heard it's about a blogger who decided to cook 524 of Julia Child's Cordon Blue recipes in a year in her dreary flat in New York.
Meryl did a wonderful job as Julia Child, the famous American post-war housewife who boldly went to chef school in Paris and wrote Mastering the Art of French Cookery. And Amy Adams was charming as the modern blogger, Julie Powell. But don't take a man to this movie unless he is very interested in cookery. The male actors are just there to support the heroines with the occasional word of wisdom and adoration.
Later: I checked out Julie Powell's blog and saw she sometimes gets over 500 comments - phew. Seems I have a way to go. I also discovered that Julia Child was 6ft2 whereas Meryl is 5'6", but she manages to look tall, hale and very hearty throughout. Don't let the initial over-jolliness put you off, though. You soon warm to her.

Meanwhile, Tropical Connections has been well reviewed in the American journal Booklist: 'As in her previous books, Vereker expertly explores a world of tight-knit British expatriates as well as the hazards and joys of a single woman abroad.' If you would like to read the full review, it's on my other blog About Susie Vereker's books - see top right link.

11 comments:

Jenny Beattie said...

Nice review Susie.

Hmmm, interesting what you say about Julie and Julia...I saw some trailers and thought Meryl Streep was desperately irritating... Perhaps I should go and see it anyway.

Susie Vereker said...

JJ, I agree. When Meryl first appeared doing that jolly hearty voice I thought oh dear, but after a while you get used to her and think she's rather splendid.

Deborah Carr (Debs) said...

I definately like the idea of this film. Thanks for the review.

Christine Coleman said...

hi Susie
I love the photos on your blog, as well as the reviews -
take a quick look at my web-blog of today about the Bookcrossers and you'll see I've got a pic ofyou , me, Alsion and Adrienne at the Unconvention in London (plus a link to your site.

Good luck with the forthcoming book!
All the best
Christine

Susie Vereker said...

Good to hear from you again after all this time, Christine. Thanks for kind comment about photos and reviews.
Debs, enjoy the film - sure you will.

Anonymous said...

Have read both Julie and Julia's books, and tried to cook with Mastering the Art in the 70's when we were all doing the competitive dinner party lark. I wish i had seen Julia on t.v. then, it would have helped as some of the recipes were a tad tedious.
Don't go to the cinema but will get the d.v.d. I'm sure it's a joy. Meryl S., Amy A. and Nora E. what a recipe.
I do so enjoy your books, loads of familiar places and they often make me laugh. Wisdom is always there too.

Carole

Susie Vereker said...

Thanks for your encouraging comments about my books, Carole. So kind of you.

LindyLouMac said...

Great review, sounds like one to add to my "DVD's I must rent sometime" wishlist!

Colette McCormick said...

I remember seeing Julia Childs on TV years ago. I thought Meryl did a great job.

LindyLouMac said...

I just wanted to let you know that the DVD of this finally arrived at our hire shop so hired watched and really enjoyed.

As it was thanks to your review that I added this to My wishlist, Thankyou.

I am going to do a post on My Blog about the film, so will be linking to your review, hope that is ok with you?

LindyLouMac said...

Have now posted about Julie and Julia and it links to this review.