Oscar-nominated Meryl Streep is a hoot as celebrated 1960s American cook Julia Child
Oscar-nominated Meryl Streep is a hoot as celebrated 1960s American cook Julia Child.
Writer-director Nora Ephron's delicious foodie comedy cleverly interweaves the parallel stories of Child's life in post-war France with that of 21st-century blogger Julie Powell (Amy Adams) as she attempts to cook her way through the 500-plus recipes in Child's classic book, Mastering the Art of French Cooking, in a year.
Streep is at her most mannered and camp, gleefully impersonating Child's eccentric demeanour and voice. Yet her performance brims over with such joy, mirth and love that it's impossible not to be won over - and Stanley Tucci is also a delight as her diplomat husband.
A shame, then, that the movie's second course - featuring the insipid romcom woes of Powell - is less appetising. Still, Adams is appealing despite her character's obsessive nature and Chris Messina is personable, though underused, as her husband.
