REVIEW OF THE HELP

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It has been forever since my last review and I am elated that the movie I am returning to, is the Help.

Set in Jackson, Mississippi, in the 1960s, the Help explores the issues of  civil rights and poverty through the lives and eyes of black maids in the heart of the Jim Crow- a strong female cast brings a fresh perspective to these issues.

It stars Emma Stone as Skeeter, the daughter of a prominent family, who has just graduated from Ole Miss, somewhat rebellious, and unlike other young women in Jackson, isn't too concerned with the ''trappings'' of marriage and motherhood. Skeeter is rather indignant at the level of racism she observes, largely due to the fact that the woman who raised and cared for her was a black maid. Skeeter devises a plan -one that is very daring and dangerous to have these maids tell their stories and have them published in a book.

 In an effort to accomplish these,she convinces Abilene (Viola Davis) and Milly (Octavia Spencer) and eventually many of others to recount their experiences.

What's Good about the movie:

Superb acting from an amazing cast. Viola was excellent and delivered a magnificent performance- i sense oscar nom. She was totally captivating and every emotion was clearly felt and conveyed and one couldn't tell where Abilene ended and Viola began.

Other good performances were also delivered by Emma Stone and Octavia Spencer.

What's Bad about the movie:

Though it was well written and well acted, it felt as if the creative forces played it a bit safe and it turned out to be somewhat predictable.

I also felt like there was more they could have done with Milly (Octavia Spencer) to show a bit more range. She was very present during her scenes but was a bit too one dimensional.

Overall Grade: A, a very moving and emotional film that is definitely worth seeing.