Julie & Julia

Meryl Streep proves yet again why she is the greatest actor (male or female) of our times. And, it's not just the distinctive voice she gets right. It's Julia Child's mannerisms and her sheer, contagious joy of good food that the actress brings to the role. Playing an icon can't be easy, but Streep is, not surprisingly, up to the challenge.

Amy Adams brings humanity to a character that could've easily been little more than a whining sad sack. We root for her Julie to finish this improbable, year-long project she has taken on.

Julie tells her husband she feels as if Julia is watching over her each time she's in her tiny kitchen, attempting her next, nearly impossible culinary feat. We should all be so lucky to have Mrs. Child as a patron saint.

The husbands in this movie are not merely incidental, supporting characters. They are full partners who eagerly encourage and abet their wives in their big endeavors.

This is one of the best movies of the summer and maybe of the year. A delicious treat. See it.