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The Help is a movie that I had no intentions of seeing whatsoever –
I simply labeled it another “chick flick” that would bore me to death. Was I wrong with my
first thoughts of this film?
Based on a novel by Kathryn Stockett, The Help is about a young white woman (played by Emma Stone) and her
relationship with two black maids in the early 1960s. In order to achieve a job as a journalist she tries
to expose the racism in her hometown of Jackson, Mississippi (and all around the country) by getting the other side
of the story from these two black maids… which was a very controversial and illegal thing to do in America during those
times. This movie reminded me that racism is still real and is still prevalent in our society today –
whether it’s against skin color, religion or sexual preference – this subject is still relatable in our world
today.
When I first saw the trailer, I was completely turned off – each trailer I’ve seen makes this movie look
more like a comedy than anything else… and that did not appeal to me whatsoever. But, after viewing
this movie – I can say that this film is more of a drama with a few funny parts here and there. And
honestly, it was so much better than my early expectations.
The cast was perfect, although I’m still not sold on Emma
Stone like the rest of America – she still did a respectable job. Bryce Dallas Howard does a remarkable
job as the bitter-hearted racist mother – I think it’s easily her best performance in a movie. Viola
Davis is probably the standout performer in The Help – her portrayal of a 1960s maid was heart-felt and full of emotion.
The
Bottom Line: The Help has something for everyone.
It wasn’t just a “chick flick” – I’m sure there are a lot of men out there that were
forced to see this in the theaters and walked out with the same respect that I now have for it. Sure, it’s
not a perfect movie – it could have been a little shorter – and could have tried to appeal to a wider audience…
but I couldn’t see it any other way.
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