 DVD Review - Julie & Julia
By Tamsin Cracknell
In 2002, Julie Powell was an ordinary, slightly dramatic 30-something call centre worker, living above a pizzeria in Queens with her husband and their cat. Bored to tears with her life, she undertook a 365-day blog about cooking her way through all 524 recipes of Julia Child's iconic 1961 cookbook. Mastering The Art Of French Cooking.
Julia Child was arguably the first ever celebrity chef, and a whimsical personality who captured hearts worldwide. The fact that her home kitchen (the set for three of her 13 television series) is a permanent exhibit at the Smithsonian testifies to her status as an American legend.
This film is a parallel biography of sorts, following Powell on her year-long culinary escapade, and intersplicing scenes from Child's life before fame, in Paris during the ‘50s.
The attraction of Julie & Julia is exactly what garnered Powell's blog and eventual book such a wide readership: although separated by 50 years, thousands of miles and completely different circumstances, the experiences of the two cooking authors link their lives in a most astonishing way, and they both find true value in life through food.
 Meryl Streep is phenomenal in her hilarious imitation of Child, and her chemistry with Stanley Tucci, who plays her husband Paul, gives the entire script its warm, golden syrupy centre. Amy Adams as Powell plays the loveable neurotic expertly, and strong performances from supporting actors make for a well-rounded comic drama.
Director Nora Ephron (Sleepless In Seattle) has crafted yet another superior romance, but with food as the leading lady. Even if you're only a heat-and-eat novice, this movie will inspire new vigour in your relationship with the microwave.
Pros: Feel-good and funny; Meryl Streep at her absolute best
Cons: A bit of a chick-flick; not great for the calorie-counter
Digital Life says: A cheerful tribute to our love affair with butter
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