August 7th, 2009
Good Child
Beware: Do not show up to see Julie & Julia on an empty stomach or you may run out in search of beef bourguignon before the second act.
Nora Ephron’s feel-good film seamlessly jumps between two stories: Julia Child learning to cook in randy post-war Paris, and Julie Powell, a hapless pencil pusher who decides to cook all 524 recipes from Child’s iconic book, Mastering the Art of French Cooking.
Meryl Streep’s turn as the late chef is perfect enough to make us forget the unfortunate Mamma Mia, but the real star is French food, prepared and eaten with gusto. Watching Ms. Child fry butter with great erotic fervor made us commit grave diet crimes on our way home from the theatre.
Guilty as charged, and bon appetit!
Julie & Julia, opens today at the Scotiabank cinema, 977 Ste-Catherine St. W., Montreal, 514-842-5828, www.julieandjulia.com
