Simple story, a woman who wants to have a goal in life, and loves cooking, decides to cook every recipe in Julia Child’s book. This is intertwined with how Julia Child became “Julia Child”. Throw in Meryl Streep, Amy Adams, and Stanley Tucci, and POW!, hit!

The best parts of this movie, were of course, Meryl Streep in Paris, learning to cook and eat the fabulous French food. All with her husband Paul (Stanley Tucci) supporting her every step of the way. Stanley was in my opinion, the best part of the movie. Very genuine in his affection for Streep/Julia. They have starred together before in the Devil Wears Prada, and their love for each other is obvious. Oh, and can I say, I find Stanley Tucci very attractive?

As for the “modern day” part starring Amy Adams as Julie Powell, the blogging cook who works for the city of Manhattan… yeah. She spends most of her time self absorbed, crying, complaining, or deifying Julia Child. The whole time it looked like she was trying to be Cynthia Nixon‘s “Miranda Hobbs” character from Sex and the City. I’ve seen Amy do much more with less of a script, so this was a little disappointing.  Her husband, Chris Messina, did well with what he had, as well, but like I said, something was missing.

It was good, overall, but it could have been so much more. So, I say rent it.