This is an unconventional story of a woman’s (Julia Roberts) search for meaning in life as well as love. When a relationship goes bad she decides to leave her home and travel abroad and experience what else is out there. It is not explained how she could afford all this travel and she doesn’t appear to be rich, but I digress.
Her search for meaning at times is a bit unusual. She prays in India but the Bible is not the focus. A comment is made that the god within you is you! However, it is the more conventional story of her search for love which carries more weight in this film. A nice romance is concocted and it is among the film’s best moments. It is nice that a character cares about learning if there is a greater meaning to her life, but it would have been nice if she would have wound up helping feed the needy, or some concrete example like that.
Needless to say, Italy and India have some good and bad moments for Liz Gilbert (Roberts). Likewise, there are some good and bad moments for the audience. But, with some frank sexual remarks included in the movie, and very strong language, not to mention rear male nudity and a lot of drinking scenes; this film falls short of receiving our Dove “Family-Approved” Seal. “Despicable Me” is still showing, and it is not a despicable film at all! In fact, it is Dove approved, as is “Step Up”.
