Film Non-Review: We (Almost) Saw Julie & Julia Last Night

Well, we had hoped to bring you a review of Julie & Julia today, as there was a screening last night in our town and we scored free tickets. Free tickets turned out to be a misnomer, though, as the studio and PR agency gave out far, far too many passes, and hundreds of people who showed up well ahead of the screening time were turned away at the door.

We have a hunch there were a lot more screenings across the country last night, though, and so we're curious. Did you see this first film about a food blogger, and if so, what did you think?

If you did see it, tell us! We'd love to hear your thoughts.

I was also intrigued by how many people showed up for this screening last night. Yes, I know advance film screenings are always purposefully overbooked, but this one was either grossly, massively overbooked, or else nearly everyone who had a pass showed up. That definitely speaks well for the topic of this movie; Julia Child is so loved, and it seems like this one is going to be a hit.

(Image: Faith Durand)

Comments (5)

I saw it-it was FANTASTIC. Makes you want to run right home and cook (and start a blog).

posted by JFS on July 22nd 2009 at 10:52am
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Where did you try to see it that it was overbooked? I got a screening pass for tomorrow and will now try to arrive super early!!

posted by abbie37 on July 22nd 2009 at 11:15am
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I know tha tthe film was SUPER SUPER overbooked, at least in California. I'm in Sacramento, and I saw "Exclusive free passes" (the pass you posted a picture of!) on the counter at both the coffee place I go to and my lunch spot. Of course I grabbed one--I am SO excited for the film--and when I checked my "ticket" I saw that it was for a showing in Walnut Creek, practically the Bay Area! If they were promoting all the way in Sacramento, I can't imagine how many people must have had passes.

posted by KatieMarie on July 22nd 2009 at 12:12pm
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I go to a lot of film screenings. When I lived in Philadelphia either the interest was lower or the promotion wasn't very good, because I'd show up 5 minutes early and manage to find a seat. Sometimes the theater would only be half full for early screenings of movies that grossed 50 million opening weekend.

Things are much different here in San Francisco for these types of screenings. If you want to guarantee a seat, show up 2 hours early. I've been to screenings here where people show up 1.5 hours early and get turned away. Of course an hour early is often fine, but still a gamble.

posted by louiedog on July 22nd 2009 at 1:07pm
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i am excited to see this along with Public Enemies, Shutter Island and Inglorious Basterds!

posted by SydneyBristow on July 22nd 2009 at 2:37pm
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