THE HELP (REVIEW)
Emma
Stone, Viola Davis, Bryce Dallas Howard, Octavia Spencer, Sissy Spacek, Allison
Janney
Polish up those Academy Awards, this is the first real
movie of the year that has Oscar written all over it.
Based
on the bestselling novel from author Kathryn Stockett and set in Mississippi during
the 1960's when the majority of African-American women provided the help and generally
ran the households of southern white families. Skeeter (Emma Stone) is a lively
young girl returning from college and determined to become an accomplished writer.
Keen to impress a New York publisher willing to take a chance on the unexperienced
journalist, she plans to interview the ladies who go beyond the call of duty for
their brash employees.
Abilene, a lifelong friend of Skeeter,
is first to open up to the truths of housekeeping. She is tormented by the death
of her son whom she spent less time with than her family of care. A second custodian
to come forward is the fiery Minny, her abruptness was enough to receive her marching
orders. Other help with lots of forbidden stories to tell, catch wind of the pending
article and come forward which shakes the foundations of the community where nothing
out of the ordinary usually happens.
This is a fresh, deeply
touching drama that generates sympathy and solid liberation among women. Many
funny moments are not without tears and awkward situations often involving the
changing effect of civil rights keep this long movie interesting. Soon to appear
in the latest 'Spiderman', it girl of the moment Emma Stone is magical as Skeeter,
while the 'Coal Miners Daughter' herself, legendary Sissy Spacek makes her would
be predictable character unforgettable.
Plaudits for Viola
Davis (Doubt) and Octavia Spencer, best known for the sublime 2009 independent
film 'Just Peck', are compelling with their authenticity of the leaders of the
resistance. A matter of fact, there is no one in this predominately female cast
who does not impress. The Academy are going to have trouble picking a winner!
Simplistic
in its approach, divisions of race, class and gender mistreatment are dealt with
in a suffice manner which makes for one excellent movie.
Shane
A. Bassett
