Meryl, I hardly knew ya

Its no surprise that Ms Streep is barely recognisable in this. She is, after all who she is and so the weirdness of this performance in 'Julie and Julia' needs a little investigation.A glimpse of the real Julia Childs gives an idea of why the characterisation can be seen to be extreme at first glance, but not at second. Here was a genuine eccentric and, to my eyes an extremely lovable personality who combined a sort of breezy nuttiness with a great deal of hard work and all with the added benefit of a loyal and loving spouse.

The gorgeous Stanley Tucci steps in for this role and, as a pair he and Streep are a grown up example of lasting love. Odd but workable and very, very watchable. This is in sharp contrast to the younger couple who I found smart and annoyingly neurotic. I loathe cutesypie big city Americans - I would have quite liked to see the end of 'Annie Hall' three seconds after I met her and so, the trials of 'Julie'didn't quite move me as they should. Although I was very moved by the fact that she had acquired such a tolerant husband.

This film is another of Nora Ephron's creations and she has worked with Meryl Streep before in 'Silkwood'and 'Heartburn' but, while Ephron has logged up huge popular hits with 'Harry Met Sally' and 'Sleepless in Seattle', I think this is more in tune with us Baby Boomers. I am slightly ashamed of having loved the older couple so much more and I hope it was not a smug smile I felt forming when the film tells us that the real Julia did not approve of the younger woman's Blog.

Still, you've got to love a tryer and these two women were that...in spades. And have a look at the real Julia below. Despite the 'Noddy in Toyland' music, here was a cook with a great deal of intestinal fortitude.

To see a snippet of Julia Child's TV program, click here: