Eat Pray Love (2010)

I almost didn't ever see this movie. This is by far, one of my favorite books of all-time. I do believe it's a love it or hate it book. For me, it was true love. I listened to it on audio the first time I read it, and just fell in love with the author immediately. I loved her story, found it interesting, and loved the way it was written. I like Julia Roberts, don't get me wrong, but I never thought this was brilliant casting. She isn't Liz Gilbert to me, only Liz Gilbert could be Liz Gilbert to me. I wish she would have just played herself. That being said, this movie was decent. Ryan Murphy did a good job with it, as good as I think one can do with a movie based on a memoir that was very insight based. And though I enjoyed it, and loved watching the food in Italy come to life and make me hungry, I loved the beauty of Bali, however, I thought way too much was missing. I thought that with the long running time that they would be able to squeeze in all the parts that made that book/story the amazing thing I fell in love with...not so. Most of my favorite parts of the book were missing here. It was like snippets of an experience, which is decent to watch....however much better to read the whole thing. I was really looking forward to seeing how they translated her problems with meditating to film.....again, not so well. Whole characters were out, that I loved so much in the book. I guess I just wasn't feeling it. I am so happy that I read this book and didn't just see the movie. The movie was okay...not horrible, not fantastic. I would even recommend it to someone who doesn't love to read, but would get something out of this story. However, to most I would say....buy the book, read it first and then if you are in the mood (or really like Julia....or the yummy Javier Bardem)watch the movie.

Link: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0879870/