“Eat Pray Love,” the 2006 big, best-selling memoir by Elizabeth Gilbert, finally reached the big screen last weekend. Not bad for a book that was published a few years ago considering the protracted amount of time it typically takes to get a movie made in Hollywood. However, with the rapt attention of book fans like Oprah and Julia Roberts (the film’s star), it probably was a slam dunk if ever there was one. EPL follows the true life journey of Gilbert after a painful divorce. She hits the road to find herself by traveling to Italy, India and Indonesia.

Directed by Ryan Murphy, one of the creators of the smash TV hit, “Glee,” we first see Liz meeting with a revered, toothless medicine man Ketut in Bali (newcomer Hadi Subiyanto) where the film also ends. He offers her some sage advice and prophecies that give Liz much of the ammo she needs to get her life on track. Once home, Liz realizes she’s in a disintegrating marriage with Stephen (Billy Crudup) and asks for a divorce. She quickly finds a rebound boyfriend in a young actor (James Franco), but endures an unsatisfying relationship with him too. Lost and mindful of Ketut’s advice, Liz decides to embark on a one-year journey of self-discovery against the advice of her best friend and publisher Delia (Oscar nominee Viola Davis). Liz lands in Italy where she begins to experience the joy of “eating” – the first phase of her self-enlightenment - and relishes in the Italian ritual of “dolce far niente” (the joy of doing nothing). Next stop is India to visit the ashram her exboyfriend turned her on to and “pray.” Liz struggles badly as she tries to examine her life post-Italy and find inner-peace through mediation; she clashes with another ashram student, Richard, played by the fine Oscar nominee Richard Jenkins (“The Visitor”) who dispenses some lessons using his painful life experience. Liz finally sets off for Indonesia where she encounters Ketut again. Despite a growing sense of balance, Liz is completely caught off guard when she meets a charming Brazilian businessman, Felipe (Oscar winner Javier Bardem), and falls in “love” - again.

Julia Roberts is perfect casting. She takes every scene - whether making eating pasta a sensual experience or navigating delicate situation with a flirtatious Latin admirer - and makes them fun and interesting; Roberts’ charm is irresistible. Yes, her cackle and big smile are there, but you feel like you’re always rooting for her and forgiving her mistakes, because you know she’ll learn from them and you would have made the same choices. The photography is exquisite, alive and vibrant, especially Italy. It perfectly captures the energy and essence of all its locales: the chaos of an Indian city and the peacefulness of Indonesian farms. The supporting cast dominates too, especially Jenkins who rings out every emotion his character can muster, and Bardem who exudes masculine sex appeal and yet has a very vulnerable side he’s not afraid to show. The overall problem is that the film seems uneven. Perhaps it’s the challenge of how a memoir translates to film – it’s too personal and private. The dots get connected too fast and before you know it Liz is on to her next phase. Real life can be funny that way, but EPL needed more room to breathe.

Eat Pray Love is MPAA-rated PG-13 for brief, strong language, some sexual references and male rear nudity; in theaters nationwide.