Tuesday, August 9, 2011

The Help Review

There are a few of us that like to go out and see anything that smells like Oscar, there are also some of us that know a good movie when it's coming, and there are even more still that get suckered into a chick flick bound and gagged and find ourselves pleasantly surprised. We were all in attendance at this viewing.

Though the catch line of the film indicates that this is a story about the initiative of change, it is more about the lives of people living in the furthest reaches of progress, feeling the tidal wave of change, and overcoming their fear to be the wave through courage. I did not read the book, so you can feel safe that I'm not trying to sell you some crushed pulp, though I'm sure it would be good for you.

Emma Stone is the central vessel through which much of the story unfurls. To her credit she does a wonderful job bridging the perspectives of the story. She plays a budding journalistic novelist, Skeeter, that takes a big risk, but none more than her interviewees. In fact she is out-shined by these very talented actresses, dwarfed by their story. Though the arc of her story does find it's legs in the last quarter of the film.

It is the hard working maids of Jackson, who are still considered property among some circles in this small town, who give her the stories that convincingly sharpen a dangerous edge. It is this central theme that gives every suspicious look and every awkward bridge move an intensity that is tempered by the fantastic humor of Viola Davis and Octavia Spenser. They balance the chummy hardy laughs of women who know more than they let on with the exquisite somber moments of pain that draw tears consistently.

It seems like the entire town is under the watch of Hilly played by Bryce Dallas Howard, niece of Ron Howard. She is sensationally evil as a backward plastic who tries with every breath to make retreats in societal tolerance. This girl has a future in villainy who has also been typecast ever since she played Victoria in the Twilight Series. In fact she's a horrible girlfriend in the upcoming 50/50 (in a good way).

From beginning to end you find yourself involved and enriched by this period piece that is flawlessly delivered by what are sure to be Oscar hopefuls. As Octavia clearly says, even when it necessary, "Minny don't burn chicken."

9 out 10 perfectly cooked chickens
Lovely Wife: 9 "
Son (12 years): 7 "It's a chick flick!"
Son (11 years): 9 "Happy mixed with sad"

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