All the pieces were here, great actors, beautiful cinematography, a fun storyline... but it didn't feel authentic, there was no heart, no chemistry. Very mediocre.
432 Reviews
No heart
Calicodreamin2 February 2021
Crucial point in the story left out in the movie
ja-br-sa14 February 2011
Altogether, the topic, the locations, the atmospheres, the acting made me enjoy the movie more than the book. I read the book and found it OK, but not like fantastic (almost like the Alchymist by Coehlo; sort of simple enough for anyone to understand, but deep enough for a lot of people to feel intellectual or in touch with new thoughts). But for the movie I had low expectations, based on the reviews - nonetheless I was positively surprised, though left wondering if most critics are just a bunch of sheep following a path (made by an old sheep who left decades ago)? And hence, obliged to hate any woman prioritizing herself?
The movie deals with a topic that very few (American) movies actually deal with - our inner lives and pursuits for balance and happiness. Maybe because it is difficult, as it is a somewhat stand still, internal journey. But EPL has made it possible by wrapping it into an external journey too.
But my main point adding to the other reviews: Some of the criticism of the movie is that the main character doesn't seem to have a good reason to be unhappy, and to leave her husband. However, what is dealt with in the book, but not comes across in the movie, is that she and her husband are to trying to have a baby, as is expected by "people" (and by her husband). EG discovers in this process that she is still not ready for children, in fact she never will be. She doesn't feel cut for it at all, and if she has a child, she feel she'll lose herself (her new husband got himself fixed before he met her, so there was never a question about it). To choose away what many women view as a deed to validate their existence; having children, is tough and scary. One will be judged. Also, she knew her husband's expectation of building a family was not unreasonable, making her feel ashamed and different. This is one of the key reasons for her to start praying; to be able to follow her own instincts, breaking the conventional norms. By excluding from the script this realization for the main character, the viewer is left puzzled with what is wrong in this marriage, there is something that doesn't make sense here. Too bad, leaving this issue out, as it would've added another dimension to the movie and increase the viewers understanding of why EG and her husband should split.
I can't help wonder why they chose to eliminate it from the story, whether it is because it would not appeal to conservative American women who after all are the majority of the box office customers for this movie? Or whether the movie creator thought it wouldn't make a difference? After all it made the whole lot of difference to the marriage, and was a impetus for her entire journey.
The movie deals with a topic that very few (American) movies actually deal with - our inner lives and pursuits for balance and happiness. Maybe because it is difficult, as it is a somewhat stand still, internal journey. But EPL has made it possible by wrapping it into an external journey too.
But my main point adding to the other reviews: Some of the criticism of the movie is that the main character doesn't seem to have a good reason to be unhappy, and to leave her husband. However, what is dealt with in the book, but not comes across in the movie, is that she and her husband are to trying to have a baby, as is expected by "people" (and by her husband). EG discovers in this process that she is still not ready for children, in fact she never will be. She doesn't feel cut for it at all, and if she has a child, she feel she'll lose herself (her new husband got himself fixed before he met her, so there was never a question about it). To choose away what many women view as a deed to validate their existence; having children, is tough and scary. One will be judged. Also, she knew her husband's expectation of building a family was not unreasonable, making her feel ashamed and different. This is one of the key reasons for her to start praying; to be able to follow her own instincts, breaking the conventional norms. By excluding from the script this realization for the main character, the viewer is left puzzled with what is wrong in this marriage, there is something that doesn't make sense here. Too bad, leaving this issue out, as it would've added another dimension to the movie and increase the viewers understanding of why EG and her husband should split.
I can't help wonder why they chose to eliminate it from the story, whether it is because it would not appeal to conservative American women who after all are the majority of the box office customers for this movie? Or whether the movie creator thought it wouldn't make a difference? After all it made the whole lot of difference to the marriage, and was a impetus for her entire journey.
The Freudian Pizza
marcosaguado14 August 2010
Warning: Spoilers
Two moments have stayed with me, one in particular: Javier Bardem crying as he says goodbye to his 19 year old son. The moment provokes a reaction on Julia Roberts's character that makes her totally human. The moment comes on the last third of the film so I thought it was a bit too late to start my relationship with her. The other moment happens at the beginning after she decides to walk away from her marriage and realizes she has broken her husband's heart. Terrific Billy Crudup fighting back tears as the elevator door closes. I love Julia Roberts but I can't quite buy her "philosophical face" 42 years of age in the new millennium is far too young for that kind of crisis, specially when the crisis is provoked by something missing in her. So, okay, a journey of discovery, but then...? The discovery is that she knew it all along. What next. I must say the guys in the movie get the prize, third price really. The first price goes to the location, second price to the food - goodness, the food! - and third to the guys. Bardem fantastic, Richard Jenkins superb - Billy Crudup surprisingly real, James Franco also great and Luca Argentero another plus.
Not too bad at all!
andredejongh1 February 2011
Warning: Spoilers
Well.... I expected the worst.... but it was not that bad at all! It is perhaps a bit too polished, too clean. To my taste the film could have dealt with a bit more realism and also a little bit of adult 'umpf'. The woman experiences love, but sexuality is totally invisible. Except for the Australian guy naked at the beach, who gets ditched by Miss Liz (lots of male viewers will be irritated by this: the man is giving himself to this woman but she ignores him (probably because it would be a sexual fling only). The male viewers will most likely feel irritated and 'substitutely ignored' throughout the whole movie because she is drawing her own plan without paying any attention to the men close to her). Furthermore I can imagine this movie is not working for traditionalistic people. Nor for practicing Christians, Scientoligists, Jews, Muslims or whatever. The movie, therefor is a bit too much about shopping for spirituality. She ignores all monotheistic religions and thus denying the existence of one God (I can see people thinking, or unconsciously feeling about this: 'Are we, is our culture not good enough for you?') And it is also about a woman taking her own path: breaking with traditional expectations, not knowing what she wants in life but she wants to experience 'the world', life 'out there'. Which is also difficult to digest for people who think she had the perfect life. They just will not be able to relate to her.
So... it is not an award winning movie, but it is rather entertaining and it is softly trying to be spiritual. Albeit that the (non sexual, or invisible sexual) romance dominates above the spiritual message.
The movie is a bit on the soft side though: without raw, real emotions. And another note: the characters operate all in humid warm environments, but their hair stays too shampooed, and the clothes too ironed.
Go see it when you are in a romantic mood, on a summers evening. On a winter evening with candles and wine. Or when you are planning to go on a holiday or when you want to go on that big adventure. You can watch it with your kids though. Or after a Shrek movie or so, when the kids are put to bed and when it is mum time. (Although I as a man also felt entertained).
Do not expect spiritual enlightenment. Expect innocent sweet romance.
So... it is not an award winning movie, but it is rather entertaining and it is softly trying to be spiritual. Albeit that the (non sexual, or invisible sexual) romance dominates above the spiritual message.
The movie is a bit on the soft side though: without raw, real emotions. And another note: the characters operate all in humid warm environments, but their hair stays too shampooed, and the clothes too ironed.
Go see it when you are in a romantic mood, on a summers evening. On a winter evening with candles and wine. Or when you are planning to go on a holiday or when you want to go on that big adventure. You can watch it with your kids though. Or after a Shrek movie or so, when the kids are put to bed and when it is mum time. (Although I as a man also felt entertained).
Do not expect spiritual enlightenment. Expect innocent sweet romance.
Me,me, me, me, me and the others
liufilms-yl15 August 2010
Warning: Spoilers
I felt self conscious and embarrassed somehow. Is this the model woman we should be inspired by? Oh my God! She's like a bad replica of a mediocre man. She abandons her husband and he's the one, quite rightly, who feels betrayed. She uses James Franco and then throws him away. Keeps Richard Jenkins at arms length until she discovers he has something that may be useful to her and then, Javier Bardem...She shouts at him I don't have to love you to love myself. What? She reeks of an awful case of selfishness but as she is played by Julia Roberts the whole thing becomes rather confusing. Is she a modern heroine? Oh God, I hope that wasn't the intention. I felt as far away from her even further away from the character she played in "My Best Friend's Wedding" Remember that one? In that one she becomes a criminal, really, yes, a criminal, to ruin her friend's wedding. Oblivious to the fact that's he's clearly happy with Cameron Diaz. No, she's only worried about herself. I'm giving "Eat Pray Love" a 3 and not a 1 because some landscapes, geographic as well as culinary are, quite simply, breath taking. Also Javier Bardem is worth the price of the very expensive ticket.
An Unlikable Protagonist's Journey
myc497114 November 2010
Warning: Spoilers
I dove into this movie without knowing what it's really about except I know it's a movie about finding oneself and it's directed by Ryan Murphy. I read some reviews about it too --- and there's really no scarcity of negative reviews about this one.
In the first 30 minutes of the movie, I figured why a lot of people didn't like this movie. Audience are used to likable protagonists and humorous antagonists that Liz Gilbert didn't even stand a chance. You really have to keep an open mind in watching the movie.
Liz Gilbert is a rare breed and for a lot of people, she's selfish, clueless, insatiable and mostly lost. It's hard to connect and sympathize with such a person who will leave their spouse just because they don't feel right. Why would we? From the outside, life seems to be perfect for her --- she has an adoring husband, a great job, a great house ---- everything that almost everybody wants.
Not everyone is such. It's the beauty of movies, you get to witness life happen from a different perspective. And with this, I appreciate what I saw in the movie. It's really not the greatest but it was an exploration and an honest one which is hard to come by.
I don't know if it's really a journey towards finding yourself but to me, it was more a journey towards forgiving yourself for wanting something not everybody would understand. I guess if it's hard to be brave to do the right thing, it's harder to find the courage to choose to do something for your happiness despite the fact it that will make you despicable.
Not everyone will have the courage to break away from something but what struck me the most is her ability to verbalize that she doesn't feel anymore. I mean, can you imagine yourself not feeling anything? From that standpoint, I totally understood her reasons for leaving even if a lot of people would see her as the most evil wife in history. I guess I would have to compare it to remodeling a house. In order to make something new and fantastic, you have to break down walls, tear down the order of things.
Through her journey, she was constantly mocked for her choices, for not wanting to be married, for not wanting to have kids, for quitting that easily. And in the end, there was really no amazing discovery or reinvention. All there was, is a woman that finally managed to forgive herself so she can move on.
By no means this movie is a masterpiece but it was a unique voice and a refreshing perspective in an age where most movies are purged with molds for antagonists and protagonists. I just kinda wish they didn't cast Julia Roberts for this. Either they are trying to balance out the unlikable with the likable actress but I think it doesn't work. Diane Lane or Cate Blanchett would have been wonderful in this one.
In the first 30 minutes of the movie, I figured why a lot of people didn't like this movie. Audience are used to likable protagonists and humorous antagonists that Liz Gilbert didn't even stand a chance. You really have to keep an open mind in watching the movie.
Liz Gilbert is a rare breed and for a lot of people, she's selfish, clueless, insatiable and mostly lost. It's hard to connect and sympathize with such a person who will leave their spouse just because they don't feel right. Why would we? From the outside, life seems to be perfect for her --- she has an adoring husband, a great job, a great house ---- everything that almost everybody wants.
Not everyone is such. It's the beauty of movies, you get to witness life happen from a different perspective. And with this, I appreciate what I saw in the movie. It's really not the greatest but it was an exploration and an honest one which is hard to come by.
I don't know if it's really a journey towards finding yourself but to me, it was more a journey towards forgiving yourself for wanting something not everybody would understand. I guess if it's hard to be brave to do the right thing, it's harder to find the courage to choose to do something for your happiness despite the fact it that will make you despicable.
Not everyone will have the courage to break away from something but what struck me the most is her ability to verbalize that she doesn't feel anymore. I mean, can you imagine yourself not feeling anything? From that standpoint, I totally understood her reasons for leaving even if a lot of people would see her as the most evil wife in history. I guess I would have to compare it to remodeling a house. In order to make something new and fantastic, you have to break down walls, tear down the order of things.
Through her journey, she was constantly mocked for her choices, for not wanting to be married, for not wanting to have kids, for quitting that easily. And in the end, there was really no amazing discovery or reinvention. All there was, is a woman that finally managed to forgive herself so she can move on.
By no means this movie is a masterpiece but it was a unique voice and a refreshing perspective in an age where most movies are purged with molds for antagonists and protagonists. I just kinda wish they didn't cast Julia Roberts for this. Either they are trying to balance out the unlikable with the likable actress but I think it doesn't work. Diane Lane or Cate Blanchett would have been wonderful in this one.
The greatest emotion I felt from the film was hunger (for Italian pizza), thirst (for Italian wine)
aawhitham13 August 2010
I loved the book. I thought Julia Roberts as Liz was fantastic casting. The trailer looked awesome. I smiled every time I saw it. Turns out, I loved everything about this movie except the movie.
Long story short, it's all of the arc of the book, without any of the passion. While never horrible, this film simply made me feel nothing.
I found the book soulful, moving, even transformative at times. The greatest emotion I felt from the film was hunger (for Italian pizza), thirst (for Italian wine), and an occasional dizziness due to director Ryan Murphy's apparent recent discovery of how to "pan." It was laughable camera-work throughout the first 45 minutes, and occasionally throughout.
The first 1/2 hour of the film was almost unbearably bad, even though the first section of the book was amongst my favorites. Perhaps someone who did not read the book could enjoy this movie, but I somehow doubt it. One time Liz made a joke, that was a nice break from the feeling of being in a lukewarm bathtub for 2 1/2 hours. Not unpleasant, just meh.
Instead of finding Liz intelligent and thoughtful, she seemed selfish, boring, and obsessed with men. Instead of finding spirituality, she seemed vapid. When the character becomes shallow, a film centered around that character becomes a throw away. Maybe I'll just watch the trailer again.
Long story short, it's all of the arc of the book, without any of the passion. While never horrible, this film simply made me feel nothing.
I found the book soulful, moving, even transformative at times. The greatest emotion I felt from the film was hunger (for Italian pizza), thirst (for Italian wine), and an occasional dizziness due to director Ryan Murphy's apparent recent discovery of how to "pan." It was laughable camera-work throughout the first 45 minutes, and occasionally throughout.
The first 1/2 hour of the film was almost unbearably bad, even though the first section of the book was amongst my favorites. Perhaps someone who did not read the book could enjoy this movie, but I somehow doubt it. One time Liz made a joke, that was a nice break from the feeling of being in a lukewarm bathtub for 2 1/2 hours. Not unpleasant, just meh.
Instead of finding Liz intelligent and thoughtful, she seemed selfish, boring, and obsessed with men. Instead of finding spirituality, she seemed vapid. When the character becomes shallow, a film centered around that character becomes a throw away. Maybe I'll just watch the trailer again.
It's just not for anyone
amalalkhatib-9918 December 2021
Not everyone will enjoy the movie, but some people will love it, when it touches a part from their inside. People who feel lost and lose the spark of life, will relate to so many of liz's feelings and thoughts, that's what will make you so attached to the movie. I loved every single minute, didn't seem boring to me at all, it's a spiritual journey not everybody needs.
Mystic Julia
littlemartinarocena14 August 2010
Most people I know are going to see this film for Julia Roberts. It is that mysterious link that film stars create with their audiences. We develop a sort of craving to see them again. So a new Julia Roberts movie? Sure. Absolutely. I'm only a few years younger than Julia Roberts which means we have grown together. So, to see her play a woman facing a sort of middle age crisis makes you look inwards with a smile, the nervous kind. I must also say I'm a guy, heterosexual, but not fanatically so. I don't have the fears that, Jay Leno for instance, shows, when confronted by a "chick flick" If anything "Eat Pray Love" proves that men and women are not that far apart, we simply deal with the same problems in different ways. Here, the filmmakers don't shy away from the conflict and the balance is real. Julia's husband, played beautifully by Billy Crudup, accuses her of leaving the marriage without an explanation. He is the one with the broken heart. In Italy, Julia eats and our own gastric juices start to do their thing. I glanced at my watch, I was ready to run into the nearest Italian restaurant and have a relationship with a pizza myself. Italy, Rome and even Naples look so clean that I hardly recognized it. CGI? Luca Argentero plays Julia's tutor/tourist guide. He is a good looking guy that after appearing in the Italian version of the Big Brother reality show, he became a sort of local movie star and shows promising acting chops. Here, strangely enough, he looks small but charming all the same. India brings the wonderful Richard Jenkins and a solid piece of advise: "don't give up on love" Bali, well, Bali is something else and it is there that Javier Bardem comes into the picture and provides us with the best scene in the film. I'm not going to tell you what it is but let me just say that involves his son and gives us, finally, a side of Julia we didn't know how much we missed. Empathy. Feeling something for somebody else's feelings. I think I may see the film a second time just to see that scene again. I also should mention that James Franco plays a young actor - not what I call a stretch - considering he is my favorite of the young actors around. I will challenge other members of my sex to go and see it. Not to be afraid to feel identified or even chocked up. I can assure you it's not going to diminish you manliness in any way and will awake your appetites, big time.
Watch, sleep, forget
Lejink7 May 2012
...or everybody loves Julia. Free-thinking, never-been-to-me writer Liz, (Julia Roberts) decides to escape the rat race and her well-meaning but smothering husband to, of course, find her true self by travelling to Italy, India and Bali, as you would and experiencing real life in the process. We all should have her problems.
And yes, by the end, she's made umpteen life-long friendships, found her own guru and the power of zen, built a new home for a single-parent and child from contributions solicited from the afore-mentioned new pals and of course to top it all off, finds true love way out east to a handsome, swarthy Brazilian, who openly discusses his sex-life with his 19 year-old Australian (don't ask me why) son whom he kisses on the lips at goodbyes. Along the way she breaks the hearts of two young handsome guys, turns down another and connects seriously with everyone from a Swedish tourist and her tutor in Italy, a recovering Texan alcoholic and teenage girl going through an arranged marriage in India not forgetting her Latin lover, toothless ancient swami and his homeless nurse in Bali. Yes indeed, love surely grows where Lizzie goes.
The writing and acting are frequently look-away bad, the whole thing looking like a woman's magazine piece bloated out of all recognition. For some reason too, 70's music features heavily in the soundtrack - I just wondered what Neil Young might have made of two of his songs being pressed into action in support of this unbelievable, over-sentimental nonsense.
I can think of only one praiseworthy thing to say about this film...er, nice locations.
And yes, by the end, she's made umpteen life-long friendships, found her own guru and the power of zen, built a new home for a single-parent and child from contributions solicited from the afore-mentioned new pals and of course to top it all off, finds true love way out east to a handsome, swarthy Brazilian, who openly discusses his sex-life with his 19 year-old Australian (don't ask me why) son whom he kisses on the lips at goodbyes. Along the way she breaks the hearts of two young handsome guys, turns down another and connects seriously with everyone from a Swedish tourist and her tutor in Italy, a recovering Texan alcoholic and teenage girl going through an arranged marriage in India not forgetting her Latin lover, toothless ancient swami and his homeless nurse in Bali. Yes indeed, love surely grows where Lizzie goes.
The writing and acting are frequently look-away bad, the whole thing looking like a woman's magazine piece bloated out of all recognition. For some reason too, 70's music features heavily in the soundtrack - I just wondered what Neil Young might have made of two of his songs being pressed into action in support of this unbelievable, over-sentimental nonsense.
I can think of only one praiseworthy thing to say about this film...er, nice locations.
Eat Pray Love
meserethassan10 November 2010
Firstly, I have never written a review about a movie BUT having read through the comments that most of you have left about this movie I just had to. Firstly, why did you bother going to see a movie like this if you are going to completely criticise everything about it; the whole point of the story is ONE PERSON'S life and the personal decisions that someone has to make?!?!?!? Do you not think we hear enough about 'war, famine, rape, murder' in our daily life/news. This movie is/and was never going to be about that – surely title gave it away 'EAT PRAY LOVE'
NOT 'FAMINE, CLIMATE CHANGE, MURDER' EPL is a movie about the most intimate thoughts and feelings a of a modern woman who is caught up in a life she does not want and how she develops and changes herself/her life for the benefit herself and others around her – and to most of you that's a selfish thing to do?!?!?! REALLY!!!! I thought that EPL was brilliant. Your comments 'she is selfish', 'what planet is she from'... just because Liz was living a life that society 'thinks' we should be living, (married to a lovely man, beautiful home) does not mean she will be happy doing it does it?! AT LEAST she was a decent and strong person and didn't cheat on her husband (which so many do) or rely on happy pills or alcohol to get herself through the day (which many people do). She took herself away from her life and tried to reconnect with what she wants in life. And I'm also guessing that NONE OF YOU have actually meditated, or spent time in an ashram or been 'silent' for any length of time?! I recommend you do it and then watch the movie again. Regular meditation, being silent for a length of time and all of those other so called 'hippy' things that she does are extremely enlightening and truly magical
thing is, not everyone can handle it
it's not easy taking a good hard look at yourself. The other interesting thing is that regardless of whether you're happy or unhappy in your current life, the things that Liz incorporates into her life are extremely beneficial and if we all spent time doing those things, life would see much brighter, simpler and happier place. I feel slightly sorry for those that cannot see the simple beauty in this TRUE STORY that was originally meant to be a kind of 'self help' book
that things happen for a reason and that people come and go in our life (male, female, young and old) and that you need to be true to yourself to be truly happy in your own skin.
Eat Pray Love
wttumapon14 November 2010
Warning: Spoilers
Most people wrote negative comments and opinions about the movie "Eat Pray Love". Some say that it's a story about a girl who particularly has "everything" in life but is never contented with it. For some, Liz' life was perfect as it is. A good husband and a potential to have a great family, a best friend who understands, etc. and find her selfish for neglecting all this things for egotistical reasons. I, on the other hand, sees it the other way around. Those who threw negative feedback about this movie doesn't fully understand the quintessence of bareness. Here's a little spoiler: In this movie, Liz broke off her marriage with Stephen which is one of the main reasons why this movie got only a passing rating. Liz did not leave her husband because she didn't love him, she left because she realized that the love she had for him pushed her nearer to live a life filled only with "idealistic" comfort. She had realized that the life she had in New York was the kind of existence of a person lived with a soul of emptiness. Sadly, Liz was the only one brave enough to admit this bitter fact and was the only one who had the courage to face it. Would she have stayed then it was absolute that things would have gotten out of hand as their marriage passes by.
I think this movie has a great impact in each one of us. If you dig deeper into the story, then you'll realize that if you find truth in your life, may it through be an external or internal journey, it will help you live a life of content and satisfactorily. An existence lived with a life of balance.
I think this movie has a great impact in each one of us. If you dig deeper into the story, then you'll realize that if you find truth in your life, may it through be an external or internal journey, it will help you live a life of content and satisfactorily. An existence lived with a life of balance.
This. Movie. Sucks.
flh46200218 August 2010
Never read the book and thanks to this well-produced wretched film never will. The IMDb synopsis is inaccurate... you get no sense this broad is trying to have a kid or that her marriage has been failing. She one day decides she doesn't want it anymore and, props to the acting of Crudup, the husband has no reason to know why. Her subsequent lover is left with the same "huh?" moment. It's as if she needs to punish anyone who treats her well.
Only good looking men fall in love with Liz, and everyone admires her. She dumps her lovers and husband and the only friend that will tell her what she needs to hear, in the belief that "balance" lies so far outside herself that she has to travel the world (on a very tight schedule) to seek enlightenment. How she pays for it is never hinted at. And to have this bone-thin creature lecture another bone-thin creature on the need to "just enjoy eating, we can always buy a bigger pair of jeans" is insulting AND laughable. That the scene is followed by two bone-thin actresses faking attempts to "squeeze into" jeans is just insulting.
And the punch line? The woman who has wasted 2.5 hours of your life whining that everyone around her says she needs a man finally finds "balance"... by finding a man. And FYI EVERY man in this film is sensitive and caring. I have to say that the direction and very good supportive acting presents an effective image of all sorts of energetic life going on around Liz (and inviting her to be part of it) while she sits whining to herself in voice-over. But the unreality of EVERYONE LOVING HER is just a bit lame.
Fiction? Not much.
Oh, and why did I spend money to see this? A friend convinced me it would be great, and she is such a good friend and enjoyed it so much I will never tell her exactly how much I despised it. See? For people you care about sometimes you hold yourself back.
FYI Richard Jenkins is the only person Julia Roberts' Liz really connects to... and even that is ruined by a last-minute "Hollywood" moment. No spoiler here, you'll see it lumbering toward you like an elephant in the desert.
Only good looking men fall in love with Liz, and everyone admires her. She dumps her lovers and husband and the only friend that will tell her what she needs to hear, in the belief that "balance" lies so far outside herself that she has to travel the world (on a very tight schedule) to seek enlightenment. How she pays for it is never hinted at. And to have this bone-thin creature lecture another bone-thin creature on the need to "just enjoy eating, we can always buy a bigger pair of jeans" is insulting AND laughable. That the scene is followed by two bone-thin actresses faking attempts to "squeeze into" jeans is just insulting.
And the punch line? The woman who has wasted 2.5 hours of your life whining that everyone around her says she needs a man finally finds "balance"... by finding a man. And FYI EVERY man in this film is sensitive and caring. I have to say that the direction and very good supportive acting presents an effective image of all sorts of energetic life going on around Liz (and inviting her to be part of it) while she sits whining to herself in voice-over. But the unreality of EVERYONE LOVING HER is just a bit lame.
Fiction? Not much.
Oh, and why did I spend money to see this? A friend convinced me it would be great, and she is such a good friend and enjoyed it so much I will never tell her exactly how much I despised it. See? For people you care about sometimes you hold yourself back.
FYI Richard Jenkins is the only person Julia Roberts' Liz really connects to... and even that is ruined by a last-minute "Hollywood" moment. No spoiler here, you'll see it lumbering toward you like an elephant in the desert.
Should make version for men- Drink, Prey, Cheer
jpierson-115 August 2010
I think this was the first Julia Roberts film that I ever hated. I wanted to leave the theater before she left Rome, but was with my wife. After the film I found out she hated it as much as me. We did chat a little and thought it would make wonderful parody film--- picture Will Ferrell as a husband who is fed up and decides to travel to three cities... and visit The New York Yankees; The Dallas Cowboys; and the Los Angeles Lakers, as a way to get in touch with his inner man. Along the way there could be lots of drinking, cheering and preying on women in bars and cheerleaders. My favorite seen in the film was the end photo where it showed her former husband looking happy in his new family!
Review from a Male Chauvinist Pig
Bob_the_Hobo20 May 2011
I usually have a tough time with chick flicks, and it was with great chagrin that I learned that the Friday rental of the house would be Eat Pray Love starring (arguably the chick flick queen) Julia Roberts. I thought I would hate it, I expected to see a sappy tear-jerker with Roberts playing her usual character.
Exactly what I got. Roberts almost cruelly and certainly suddenly/without warning leaves her husband (Billy Crudup) to travel the world, visiting Rome to Eat, India to Pray, and Bali to Love. During her adventures she meets Javier Bardem, Richard Jenkins, and many others.
Won't lie, I enjoyed quite a bit of this. A lot of the film is Julia Roberts being Julia Roberts, treading no new ground and playing her usual boring role. But, I suppose, that was the point. The character she plays is boring and normal, and even when she travels across the world Roberts does little to show the changes her character experiences. Can't say I really liked her character, which provided a bizarre feeling for the entirety of the movie. Was I supposed to root for Julia? Who knows.
EPL has some remarkable cinematography that deserves noting. I was surprised it wasn't nodded towards at the Oscars this year; shots of all these countries are beautifully represented. The script lags the most in Rome, but really picks up in India and Bali. As I said, Roberts is an unsympathetic character, but each travel experience brings interesting characters. Richard Jenkins, undoubtedly the most underrated actors ever, shines in his role of Richard from Texas in India. Bardem is good as well, but that's not a surprise. These two are the bright spots here.
If you've seen the trailer you've seen the movie, but if you're not looking for that much I think you'll be as surprised as I was. Worth it for the cinematography and characters. Plus, for that Friday-night chick flick your girlfriend picks out, you could do worse.
Exactly what I got. Roberts almost cruelly and certainly suddenly/without warning leaves her husband (Billy Crudup) to travel the world, visiting Rome to Eat, India to Pray, and Bali to Love. During her adventures she meets Javier Bardem, Richard Jenkins, and many others.
Won't lie, I enjoyed quite a bit of this. A lot of the film is Julia Roberts being Julia Roberts, treading no new ground and playing her usual boring role. But, I suppose, that was the point. The character she plays is boring and normal, and even when she travels across the world Roberts does little to show the changes her character experiences. Can't say I really liked her character, which provided a bizarre feeling for the entirety of the movie. Was I supposed to root for Julia? Who knows.
EPL has some remarkable cinematography that deserves noting. I was surprised it wasn't nodded towards at the Oscars this year; shots of all these countries are beautifully represented. The script lags the most in Rome, but really picks up in India and Bali. As I said, Roberts is an unsympathetic character, but each travel experience brings interesting characters. Richard Jenkins, undoubtedly the most underrated actors ever, shines in his role of Richard from Texas in India. Bardem is good as well, but that's not a surprise. These two are the bright spots here.
If you've seen the trailer you've seen the movie, but if you're not looking for that much I think you'll be as surprised as I was. Worth it for the cinematography and characters. Plus, for that Friday-night chick flick your girlfriend picks out, you could do worse.
What planet is she from?
roastmary-115 August 2010
I love travelogues and I'm a fan of Julia Roberts but, what happened here? I'm not sure in what period, time wise, it this set. The only turmoil seems to be in this very selfish forty-something. What about the rest of the world? She goes for a sort of journey of discovery in a world that doesn't really exist. Did I miss something? No wars, no economic crisis, no nothing, only the intimate qualm of a woman who I, personally, cannot feel represented by. I grant you I'm from another generation but, please! What is this. I loved the food and Javier Bardem and it is in fact the Bardem episode that brings some kind of recognizable something to the proceedings. So, let me recapitulate and ask you if we've seen the same movie...A woman facing an existential crisis and moves out from her marital abode without even having a discussion about it with her husband - a scrumptious Billy Crudup - then she has an affair with James Franco - who wouldn't, right? - but the Franco in this movie is just a plain reflection of the Franco from "Milk" just to name one title. The Naples presented here seems out of the mind of someone who's never been to Naples. I don't know what to say. I'm a bit puzzled and, I should confess, a bit annoyed.
Really?
abbi07094 September 2010
Warning: Spoilers
I was reading comments prior to posting my own and thought "really?" I couldn't figure how so many people gave such terrible ratings. Was it my favorite movie of the year? No. But, it ranked in the top 10.. I guess I got something totally different out of it.
Haven't we all been there before? Thought we knew what we wanted and then realized we made a mistake, then another mistake and couldn't figure out what we were doing wrong? To me, this moving is about finding yourself, something we all have to do at some point in our lives. This wasn't about what she had or didn't have.. It was about loving yourself enough to love another person.
The journey she took was a beautiful journey. I will give you, it was just a little slow in the beginning, but not terribly slow.
There was a line near the end where she says that with all of our mistakes in life, we need to know those mistakes are part of the future we will have.
I can tell you I've lived that first hand. I liked the movie and would probably buy it and keep it on hand. I found it spiritual and moving.
Haven't we all been there before? Thought we knew what we wanted and then realized we made a mistake, then another mistake and couldn't figure out what we were doing wrong? To me, this moving is about finding yourself, something we all have to do at some point in our lives. This wasn't about what she had or didn't have.. It was about loving yourself enough to love another person.
The journey she took was a beautiful journey. I will give you, it was just a little slow in the beginning, but not terribly slow.
There was a line near the end where she says that with all of our mistakes in life, we need to know those mistakes are part of the future we will have.
I can tell you I've lived that first hand. I liked the movie and would probably buy it and keep it on hand. I found it spiritual and moving.
Epidermic Journey
claudiaeilcinema19 August 2010
I did read the book but, I had hoped that this was going to be like "The Bridges Of Madison County". The film so much better than the book thanks to Meryl Streep's Francesca, a woman I could follow and learn from in every way. Here, my hero, Julia Roberts is as static as the page that originated her character. I couldn't and wouldn't get interested in her. Women, no matter how independent, remain nurturers by nature. I was desolate. I sided with her husband, Billy Crudup, totally. And what about the younger guy, James Franco, she takes instead of giving and she also takes from Richard Jenkins and Javier Bardem in Bali. It is in fact in Bali where I detected a glimpse of real emotion an emotion provoked by somebody else's feelings. I could see a film about that woman. Julia feels detached, as if she was just going through the motions. I'm sorry critics and public ganged up against her for her work in "Mery Reilly" An actress of Julia's talent and beauty could have contributed a sensational gallery of different women. Instead she seems stacked in this shrill, angry lady with very little to say.
A life lesson
xrxdanixrx7 July 2020
When I first saw this movie in my 20s I thought it was about a bold, confident woman who runs away to travel and learn about life and love. Watching it in my 30s is a completely different story. Do I agree with all the other reviewers that our leading lady is selfish for leaving her husband, being flaky and indecisive? Yes. Do I think she's wrong for being all that? No.
What this movie showcases is the reality of life choices, as well as the pressure and obligations of society. At the start she questions if she wants kids, if she wants to even be married. She's in her 40s and still not being true to herself. She's never had that "aha" moment where you feel you're on the right path. It's a commonality that a lot of people who don't have a strong sense of self will use a romantic partner to help feel more whole. However there does eventually come a point where you question if you really are truly being accepted by your partner or whether they love you because you made yourself out to be what they wanted. Julia Roberts in this role is very clearly that type that has been a chameleon in relationships, as is witnessed with her first marriage and subsequent partners following. Even her good friend states the obvious.
To me this isn't about a woman traveling the world and finding her soulmate. Cause to be honest, it's not a romance in the slightest. It's a narrative about the imperfect relationship we all have with ourselves. How we eventually learn to accept and work with ourselves, our wants and desires.
It's a good film if you've been dealing with identity issues. Julia Roberts isn't a hero or someone to look up to, but what is admirable is that she does actually take the chance of experiencing self discovery, as opposed to remaining unhappily settled, as many people do. People do change and generally it's important to find a relationship that allows you to grow, but if you don't even know who you are then how are you expected to find that sort of relationship?
What this movie is getting at is that the relationship with yourself is THE most important relationship in your life.
What this movie showcases is the reality of life choices, as well as the pressure and obligations of society. At the start she questions if she wants kids, if she wants to even be married. She's in her 40s and still not being true to herself. She's never had that "aha" moment where you feel you're on the right path. It's a commonality that a lot of people who don't have a strong sense of self will use a romantic partner to help feel more whole. However there does eventually come a point where you question if you really are truly being accepted by your partner or whether they love you because you made yourself out to be what they wanted. Julia Roberts in this role is very clearly that type that has been a chameleon in relationships, as is witnessed with her first marriage and subsequent partners following. Even her good friend states the obvious.
To me this isn't about a woman traveling the world and finding her soulmate. Cause to be honest, it's not a romance in the slightest. It's a narrative about the imperfect relationship we all have with ourselves. How we eventually learn to accept and work with ourselves, our wants and desires.
It's a good film if you've been dealing with identity issues. Julia Roberts isn't a hero or someone to look up to, but what is admirable is that she does actually take the chance of experiencing self discovery, as opposed to remaining unhappily settled, as many people do. People do change and generally it's important to find a relationship that allows you to grow, but if you don't even know who you are then how are you expected to find that sort of relationship?
What this movie is getting at is that the relationship with yourself is THE most important relationship in your life.
A nice tale of one woman's journey of self-discovery
aefrench1 September 2010
Warning: Spoilers
When I heard about this movie, I knew little about it. In fact, all I knew was that it was based on a very popular book. I have never read the book, so I cannot offer a comparison between the two. However, I can recommend the movie.
Julia Roberts plays Liz Gilbert, a woman who takes a close look at her life and realizes she needs a change. She seeks a divorce from her husband and decides to travel to Italy, India, and Bali for a year to find herself.
On her stops to each country, she meets up with several colorful characters, and begins to see that many people have problems in their lives, and they are also trying to find balance like she is.
Roberts is great as usual in her portrayal of Liz Gilbert. Javier Bardem is well cast as Felipe, and Richard Jenkins deserves a nod for his performance as Richard.
The cinematography is excellent. Each of the countries have beautiful spots and the camera work is great as far as showing that beauty.
This is a fine film. I cannot speak for the other reviewers, or for the movie's user rating, but I say it is worth watching.
Julia Roberts plays Liz Gilbert, a woman who takes a close look at her life and realizes she needs a change. She seeks a divorce from her husband and decides to travel to Italy, India, and Bali for a year to find herself.
On her stops to each country, she meets up with several colorful characters, and begins to see that many people have problems in their lives, and they are also trying to find balance like she is.
Roberts is great as usual in her portrayal of Liz Gilbert. Javier Bardem is well cast as Felipe, and Richard Jenkins deserves a nod for his performance as Richard.
The cinematography is excellent. Each of the countries have beautiful spots and the camera work is great as far as showing that beauty.
This is a fine film. I cannot speak for the other reviewers, or for the movie's user rating, but I say it is worth watching.
I have never written a review before....
EvilDonut1313 August 2010
Warning: Spoilers
But this is easily one of the worst movies I have ever seen. However, there are some (very small) silver linings.
For instance, with Julia Roberts, Richard Jenkins, Billy Crudup, James Franco, and Javier Bardem, I had high expectations. I award one half star for each actor, and round up out of kindness.
But then... the movie started, and the most agonizing 2+ hours of my life ensued.
First, some background information. I went to see Eat Pray Love for my dear mother and free popcorn. She asked me earlier today, and I, being the loving son, agreed to accompany her.
Within ten minutes I had realized what a disastrous mistake I had made. I am an empathetic person, and I had no idea it was possible for a film to give me have no feelings whatsoever for protagonist.
That is not true, at times I wanted her to be hit by a train. I have never left a movie that I had paid for, but eventually my mother and I were plotting ways to escape. We settled on screaming "Mouse!" or "Rodent!" or "Fire!" but decided it was not worth the social awkwardness.
Instead we sat through, as I said, the most agonizing 2+ hours of film, ever. A summary ensues...
Whine-Whine-Divorce-Whine-Cry-Travel-Whine-Eat-Whine-Feminist Bullshit-Whine-Elevate Importance-Whine-Whine-Travel-Whine-Attempt Meditation-Whine-Get Better at Meditation with help of Hippie-Whine-Elevate Importance to Unknown Levels-Whine-Whine-Travel-Whine-Whine-"Fall in Love" I think that is pretty much it. Do not see this film.
For instance, with Julia Roberts, Richard Jenkins, Billy Crudup, James Franco, and Javier Bardem, I had high expectations. I award one half star for each actor, and round up out of kindness.
But then... the movie started, and the most agonizing 2+ hours of my life ensued.
First, some background information. I went to see Eat Pray Love for my dear mother and free popcorn. She asked me earlier today, and I, being the loving son, agreed to accompany her.
Within ten minutes I had realized what a disastrous mistake I had made. I am an empathetic person, and I had no idea it was possible for a film to give me have no feelings whatsoever for protagonist.
That is not true, at times I wanted her to be hit by a train. I have never left a movie that I had paid for, but eventually my mother and I were plotting ways to escape. We settled on screaming "Mouse!" or "Rodent!" or "Fire!" but decided it was not worth the social awkwardness.
Instead we sat through, as I said, the most agonizing 2+ hours of film, ever. A summary ensues...
Whine-Whine-Divorce-Whine-Cry-Travel-Whine-Eat-Whine-Feminist Bullshit-Whine-Elevate Importance-Whine-Whine-Travel-Whine-Attempt Meditation-Whine-Get Better at Meditation with help of Hippie-Whine-Elevate Importance to Unknown Levels-Whine-Whine-Travel-Whine-Whine-"Fall in Love" I think that is pretty much it. Do not see this film.
I really found myself in the movie and, yes, I have the courage to admit it
marinel131024 October 2010
This movie opens the door to the individual's enlightenment. Will surely teach people, no matter their genre, to say No and cut a relationship in which they feel trapped, without being happy. Just cut it and leave it all behind. No more past, not even future, just TODAY. We must be happy and live our lives today, being balanced, without accepting interferences. I did it, I left luxury behind but never felt more happy and free then in my past 2 years. The haters of this movie are actually haters of their own lives, not having the courage to admit they, too, would do it, IF they had the guts. No matter their genre! So, from my part, big shouts for the revolutionary ideas this movie promoted, and people, be free to find happiness again and to love one more time as much that your stomach hurts!
Eat Pray and Run, as fast as you can away from this movie.
awlongo17 August 2010
I admit it; I'm a sucker for a good "chick-flick". Eat Pray Love offered to fill that bill. The autobiographical book by the same title was endorsed by Oprah's book of the month club and that alone helps to secure healthy box office receipts. The clincher that casts Julia Roberts in the title role of Liz Gilbert further assures a robust opening weekend at the box office. The planets and stars are most certainly aligned; Venus is in Jupiter or the moon is in Mars or something like that. It would seem that this movie is a sure fire hit guaranteed to deliver.
Sure enough, it delivered; the only the problem was that it delivered over two hours of bad dialog, shallow character development and a heroine who is self absorbed, shellfish and clueless with the world around her. This is the real life story of Liz Gilbert (played by Julia Roberts) and her journey to self fulfillment and I emphasize the word "self". Like the film's title, Eat Pray Love will take Liz on a world tour of Italy, India and Bali where she will, uhh, err, eat, pray and love. How she evolves and what she becomes is the subject the storyline where everything and everyone is expendable and disposable for the sole purpose of Liz's pursuit of happiness, though that is not the intention of the script, director or actors.
How can we empathize with Julie's Liz who throws away everything good to chase an empty promise of something better? I say "empty promise" because the movie fails to convince the audience that the journey was worth the sacrifice. The touchy-feely rewards that follows Liz through her voyage of self discovery plays like a series of bad clichés where the supporting cast is nothing more than a punch line for Liz's two hour plus pity party.
It is impossible not to draw some parallels to the film "Under the Tuscan Sun" staring Diane Lane. Indeed Eat Pray Love tries to cash in on the Tuscan Sun recipe but really fails on every front, script, acting, direction and cinematography. And while neither movie was able to pay sufficient homage to non-fictional accounts they were based on, at least Diane Lane was able to present a character that we could empathize with thanks to a far superior script and her believable portrayal.
I imagine that this movie will be enjoyed by real life casualties of love who believe that they are owed love and fulfillment as an inalienable right. It is a movie that teaches us nothing, provides a warped view of what love and relationships really are and leaves no lasting impressions, save the sweet sounds of fingernails on a blackboard that will leave most movie goers yearning for relief. Read the book and skip the movie.
Sure enough, it delivered; the only the problem was that it delivered over two hours of bad dialog, shallow character development and a heroine who is self absorbed, shellfish and clueless with the world around her. This is the real life story of Liz Gilbert (played by Julia Roberts) and her journey to self fulfillment and I emphasize the word "self". Like the film's title, Eat Pray Love will take Liz on a world tour of Italy, India and Bali where she will, uhh, err, eat, pray and love. How she evolves and what she becomes is the subject the storyline where everything and everyone is expendable and disposable for the sole purpose of Liz's pursuit of happiness, though that is not the intention of the script, director or actors.
How can we empathize with Julie's Liz who throws away everything good to chase an empty promise of something better? I say "empty promise" because the movie fails to convince the audience that the journey was worth the sacrifice. The touchy-feely rewards that follows Liz through her voyage of self discovery plays like a series of bad clichés where the supporting cast is nothing more than a punch line for Liz's two hour plus pity party.
It is impossible not to draw some parallels to the film "Under the Tuscan Sun" staring Diane Lane. Indeed Eat Pray Love tries to cash in on the Tuscan Sun recipe but really fails on every front, script, acting, direction and cinematography. And while neither movie was able to pay sufficient homage to non-fictional accounts they were based on, at least Diane Lane was able to present a character that we could empathize with thanks to a far superior script and her believable portrayal.
I imagine that this movie will be enjoyed by real life casualties of love who believe that they are owed love and fulfillment as an inalienable right. It is a movie that teaches us nothing, provides a warped view of what love and relationships really are and leaves no lasting impressions, save the sweet sounds of fingernails on a blackboard that will leave most movie goers yearning for relief. Read the book and skip the movie.
I Guess Money Can Buy Happiness
brenttraft27 December 2011
"Eat, Pray, Love" is about a wealthy, over-privileged woman who has a mid-life crises and instead of buying a sports car, she divorces her husband, has some affairs, and spends a boat-load of money.
I guess the moral of the story is that money can buy happiness.
This is the type of movie that makes people want to join the "occupy" movement. The whole point of the movie is that over-indulging is the way to find yourself and be happy.
And just to pour salt in the wound, in the scene where she is eating pasta in Italy is done to the music of Mozart's German opera "The Magic Flute." I guess nobody associated with this piece of trash was smart enough to tell the difference between Italian and German.
Do yourself a favor and skip this garbage.
I guess the moral of the story is that money can buy happiness.
This is the type of movie that makes people want to join the "occupy" movement. The whole point of the movie is that over-indulging is the way to find yourself and be happy.
And just to pour salt in the wound, in the scene where she is eating pasta in Italy is done to the music of Mozart's German opera "The Magic Flute." I guess nobody associated with this piece of trash was smart enough to tell the difference between Italian and German.
Do yourself a favor and skip this garbage.
Roberts' rock-solid performance guides the film.
RyanCShowers17 August 2010
Eat Pray Love is not the appealing romantic comedy it's being sold as. It's a dark character study of how someone loses themselves. Julia Roberts the queen of romantic comedies (another way to sell the film) is front and center as Liz, and she deserves a Best Actress nomination.
Roberts really brings Liz to life in both the enchanting ways and the dark ways. It's not the typical Julia Roberts performance you'd expect. The scene early on in the film where she prays for the first time is chilling. What makes Roberts so good is the fact she's a movie star, but a movie star with talent and range.
Javier Bardem and Richard Jenkins also play roles in the second and third act. They both have a magnetic connection with Roberts. Jenkins has so much fun playing his colorful character. He's the old guy you want to have long talks with. His character has a surprising arc during the last minutes of India. Bardem's Phillippe is charming, handsome, and emotional. Bardem yet creates another memorable character and a great supporting performance.
The story didn't sell me at first. As Liz feels confined, I felt confined and uncomfortable in the NYC scenes. They aren't bad, but a term I've used to describe this film before: dark. But, when she goes to Italy, lets go, and frees herself, I felt freed too. From there until the credits roll, the film doesn't have that problem but it's a big problem. I personally hold the director at fault there. He could've smoothed it over.
The cinematography is gorgeous, Roberts is beautiful with support from two stand-out men. What more could ya ask for? Be warned: this is a darker movie then the trailers may imply so it's not for everyone; 8.
Roberts really brings Liz to life in both the enchanting ways and the dark ways. It's not the typical Julia Roberts performance you'd expect. The scene early on in the film where she prays for the first time is chilling. What makes Roberts so good is the fact she's a movie star, but a movie star with talent and range.
Javier Bardem and Richard Jenkins also play roles in the second and third act. They both have a magnetic connection with Roberts. Jenkins has so much fun playing his colorful character. He's the old guy you want to have long talks with. His character has a surprising arc during the last minutes of India. Bardem's Phillippe is charming, handsome, and emotional. Bardem yet creates another memorable character and a great supporting performance.
The story didn't sell me at first. As Liz feels confined, I felt confined and uncomfortable in the NYC scenes. They aren't bad, but a term I've used to describe this film before: dark. But, when she goes to Italy, lets go, and frees herself, I felt freed too. From there until the credits roll, the film doesn't have that problem but it's a big problem. I personally hold the director at fault there. He could've smoothed it over.
The cinematography is gorgeous, Roberts is beautiful with support from two stand-out men. What more could ya ask for? Be warned: this is a darker movie then the trailers may imply so it's not for everyone; 8.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
