The Help

A few weeks back I was invited to attend a preview showing of the new movie "The Help". Having read the book, I was so very excited for the opportunity. If you aren't aware of the story, you should be.

Based on one of the most talked about books in years and a #1 New York Times best-selling phenomenon,  “The Help” stars Emma Stone (“Easy A”) as Skeeter, Academy Award®–nominated Viola Davis (“Doubt”) as Aibileen and Octavia Spencer as Minny—three very different, extraordinary women in Mississippi during the 1960s,  who build an unlikely friendship around a secret writing project that breaks societal rules and puts them all at risk. From their improbable alliance a remarkable sisterhood emerges, instilling all of them with the courage to transcend the lines that define them, and the realization that sometimes those lines are made to be crossed —even if it means bringing everyone in town face-to-face with the changing times. ~From TheHelpMovie.com

Like I said, I had read the book and it touched me so much. I knew the movie was going to be huge also. Especially when the cast list came out. With such well rounded talent like Octavia Spencer and Bryce Dallas Howard it was sure to be a good one.

Lets just say I was not disappointed. The acting was amazing. Spencer's portrayl of the lively Minny reminded me so much of my grandmother in all her spunk and attitude. Davis' Aibileen was every bit the strong, amazing woman that she was in my mind. Even Stone played an amazing, free spirited Skeeter that was every bit the out of place fireball that was in the book. The dynamic through the whole cast was really just amazing. Even for the lesser parts, the glue was there. The dynamic between the actors was intense.

The sets were astounding. Every little detail has been considered. Everything was just perfect.

The story, even though I knew how it went, was so touching, endearing and moving. The whole audience was provoked on a journey through an array of emotions. From the hilarity of  Miss Minny to the heartbreak of Constantine and everywhere in between. The fear was almost palpable in the scenes surrounding the dark underbelly of life in Jackson for the African Americans at the time. I was fully engaged for the entire movie, right up to the very end, which is not usual for me. The ADD in me has a hard time sitting through the lag that happens in so many movies today. I have not been moved to tears in a movie in a very, very long time but the emotion at times was just too powerful. I still get chills thinking about it. Bring tissues.


If you are thinking about going and seeing this, do. If you aren't thinking about it, do. This is the kind of movie that I think everyone should see. Not only because of the social issues raised but for the feelings, for the cinematography and for the chance to take a peek into the sordid history surrounding parts of the South that went on for too long. You won't be disappointed. Of that, I am sure.