In Defense of Julia Roberts

Julia Robert's new film could be considered a flop in some circles. It opened with 14.5 million dollars and third place. Ms. Roberts commands a 15 million dollar a film salary and was once the American box office queen. What happened? Julia Roberts 1) got married (we won't go into the homewrecking) 2) Had 3 children 3) Lives in Taos, NM and keeps herself and her family out of the long lenses of the paparazzi.

Roles for women over 40 are few and far between. Good roles for women over 40 are rare. I haven't had a chance to see Duplicity yet, but looks like a classy, cerebral, fun thriller for grown-ups. What's wrong with that? People have a time luxury in the slow part of the season to catch a film on the 2nd and 3rd week. Last weekend afforded an irresistible taste of spring and outdoor activities were popular.
So what?

I applaud Julia Roberts for taking her family out of Hollywood and giving them probably the most normal life celebrity kids can have. Really, would you recognize the Moder kids on the street, no? Would you recognize Suri Cruise or Shiloh Jolie-Pitt? Of course. What ever roles this decision may have cost her will certainly pale in comparison to the actual childhood her 3 kids are getting now.

Besides, she was a movie star. She has an Oscar. She'll be back. I wouldn't consider her our most gifted actress (Kate Winslet can act circles around anyone), but with Pretty Woman, Runway Bride, My Best Friend's Wedding, The Pelican Brief, Erin Brockovich on her filmogrpahy... not bad for a girl from Smyrna, GA.