Eat, Pray, Love - Julia Roberts

I went with a friend to see Eat, Pray, Love the new Julia Roberts film at the cinema last night (Sunday). I don't normally read the critics before hand, if I like the look and feel of the picture, I go and see it. Sometimes I'm disappointed, sometimes I'm really pleased - and this time?

I enjoyed it. Julia Roberts is a very versatile actress who entertains with a range of emotions and where appropriate, the occasional gentle comedy in this one. I won't put any spoilers in here at all, because I recommend you see it.

Julia plays Liz Gilbert, a writer who actually doesn't know what she wants in life or a relationship - she needs to 'find herself'. She leaves her husband and sets off on a series of adventures firstly at home after her split and then seeing the world, in Italy, in India and in Bali.

The cinematography is visually interesting and it's well directed at a gentle old pace with a rather romantic view of Italy and Bali and perhaps we get to see just a quick snapshot of the chaotic life in India before she spends time in a retreat learning to meditate.

The critics generally don't like it - but when you get under the skin, these are paying critics who put their cash into the cinema to see the film and it seems they are mostly women! They don't like the arrogant selfishness that they see the character portraying - although this isn't obvious to me. They forget this - this is based on a true life story, recently published in paperback. Real life doesn't pursue obvious and clear cut paths or provide expected or stereotypical behaviours. Everyone is different and just because the critic doesn't see this woman exercise constraint, patience and observe 'normal' standards (whatever that is) they don't like the film.

Well done Roberts, good solid directing, great locations, adequate but not demanding story, I'll give it 7/10 - worth £4.70.

Are you 'enjoying' the same dull, dreary, drizzle laden weather we are here in East Yorkshire? In this part of the world, it's known as 'Hull Fair weather.' I'll be away whilst the fair is on this year, so I won't be reporting on it, but it's one of the great calendar events of the year in the city attracting over a million visitors in a week.

Have a great week

Chat soon

Ta-ra.