“GULLIBLE TRAVELS”
Starring:Â Julia Roberts, Billy Crudup, James Franco, Javier Bardem, Richard Jenkins, and Viola Davis
Directed by: Ryan Murphy
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for brief strong language, some sexual references and male rear nudity.
Genre: Drama and Adaptation
Running Time: 2 hr 13 min
Studio: Columbia Pictures
Release Date: August 13th, 2010
By John Delia
Not all movies are what they promote in theatre trailers but Eat Pray Love is an exception. So if you have seen the movie trailer than guys you know what you are in for. The movie hits it’s female target audience with pinpoint precision offering three stories each a step toward the feminine viewpoint on separation from a loved one, forgiveness of the act and a muffin top.
The story based on a memoir by Elizabeth Gilbert opens with Liz (Julia Roberts) returning from Bali where she was told her life will be changing. Blessed with the message she divorces her husband in a quest to find herself and goes to foreign countries to change her life. In Italy she finds out the importance of family, India brings her the power of self-forgiveness and on to Bali where she seeks inner peace.
The movie plays like a step by step instruction manual with Liz succumbing to food, religion and then acceptance of one’s
limitations during her search for a perfect life. The stories are filled with romance, faith, gorgeous scenery and interesting people. Being a male I felt like a helpless observer rather than a participant. My mind became challenged on whether the true story would work for other women or was this just a guilty pleasure of one lucky woman. And still, was it a complete success or just a bandage on a boring marriage.
The acting is first rate and direction by Ryan Murphy, who gave us Running With
Scissors, very mellow. He makes his movie more of a travel log than a love story, but that’s what works here best. Ok gals, choose your Guru and get traveling, but while you are looking for self discovery don’t forget to take a good look back at what you’re leaving behind.
The film is rated PG-13 for brief strong language, some sexual references and male rear nudity.
FINAL ANALYSIS:Â A wimpy wishful romp in search of oneself. (2.5 of 5)