Everyday Black Matters
Even in the midst of our recent drama, I was giddy to see Eat, Pray, Love because I particularly enjoyed 90% of the book. (Can’t find my book review link —sorry!)
The movie was okay. Just okay. It dragged quite a bit. It had sloppy transitions. It was way too long. 2.5 hours is a bit much, I think, for a romantic comedy that wasn’t very funny. Not at least compared to how funny Elizabeth Gilbert’s written story was.
This biggest problem with both the book and the movie –much more so with the movie—is that you just. don’t. care.
You don’t care about all of Liz’s seemingly self-made drama.
You don’t feel bad for her when she leaves her husband for reasons you don’t understand.
You can’t quite understand why she feels so trapped & why she needs to do this crazy year of travel to Italy, India & Indonesia.
You feel like she’s running away from her issues and it’s difficult to want to know how it ends.
It feels like a riciculous journey and your unsure how she is transformed in the end. At least in the book you get some resolve. The film left me thinking, “that is the crappy end? What?”
Well, that’s at least how I felt.
The book gives you a bit more insight. You care more. A little bit more, that is. I thought the book was extremely well-written, the adaptation to screenplay –not so much. So, I was even less sympathetic & the efforts to make me love and respect Liz, unfortunately failed.
I do love Julia Roberts, but in this role she felt like -wait for it- Julia Roberts. It seemed like she was the same person she’s been in the last 5 romantic comedies.
Now, some of you may have more grace on her story & really enjoy the film, so don’t let me sway you.
Don’t bring your manly men though. I’m thinking men would just barf through this film. I know for sure my sometimes cynical hubby would have been rolling his eyes through & through.
Grade: C+, yawn.
Recommend: As a rental. I would highly recommend the book. The book is fun and engaging and perfectly escapist.
Peace,
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