Reel Critics:

Nora Ephron has been the writer or director on a number of very popular movies. Her films are known for taking a clever but genteel look at the problems of modern adult life. “When Harry Met Sally . . . ” and “Sleepless in Seattle” might be her biggest hits. But she brings all her skills to bear in the delightful telling of the true stories of “Julie & Julia.”

Meryl Streep’s portrayal of the eccentric Julia Child is spectacular in every way. She channels the persona of the famous French chef with every nuance and mannerism intact. Her stellar performance is clearly on track for another Best Actress nomination. Stanley Tucci is charming as her supportive husband.

Julie Powell leads a much more common life. She’s a bored office worker, well played by Amy Adams. She decides to cook every one of the 524 recipes in Julia Child’s bestselling cookbook in a single year. She starts a blog on the Internet to chronicle her experience and gains many fans who cheer her efforts.

The sharp screenplay switches back and forth between major events in the lives of the two women. Their stories progress with snappy dialogue sparkling with laughter and genuine charm. It’s an old-fashioned movie designed to leave each viewer with a chuckle and a smile.

Horror, adventure abound in documentary ‘The Cove’

Who’d have imagined the much-beloved 1960s show “Flipper” would spark an interest in dolphins as entertainment that would also generate millions in blood money?

The documentary “The Cove” has elements of a crackling action film — suspense, danger and high-tech covert operations. Only this is real life and real bloodshed, and nobody manages to save the day — yet.

Rick O’Barry was a dolphin trainer on “Flipper” and didn’t realize for years that these amazing creatures suffer in captivity, and he has made it his life’s work to make amends for it. He learns of a heavily secured spot in Taiji, Japan, where for years dolphins have been secretly killed for food and profit.

The enlistment of an “Ocean’s Eleven”-type crew and the plan to get this legal, if appalling, Taiji operation on film is fascinating and offers nail-biting adventure.

But be prepared to witness some gut-churning horror.

As difficult as that is, this is a film that deserves to be seen.

One can only hope it will generate enough of an outcry to put a stop to such practices that not only endanger the species but humanity as well.

JOHN DEPKO is a Costa Mesa resident and a senior investigator for the Orange County public defender’s office. SUSANNE PEREZ lives in Costa Mesa and is an executive assistant for a financial services company.