Even though “The Help” was released in August it should be a serious contender for honors this award season. It’s an emotional and inspiring drama, with more than a touch of humor. The film is based on the 2009 best-selling novel of the same name. In fact, “The Help” is a movie about a book that’s based on a book. But don’t be confused – just sit back and enjoy it.
The setting is Jackson, Mississippi in the early 1960’s, a time when equality among African-Americans and whites was still a dream and racism was very much a way of life. Emma Stone plays Skeeter, who returns home to Jackson from college looking to become a writer. Her rich friends and their families still have African-American housekeepers and most of them are treated very badly. Skeeter comes up with the idea of interviewing the maids for a book that would allow the rest of America to learn the problems back women in the South and their families were dealing with.
But getting these women to talk would not be easy and writing the book would not be safe. Skeeter first approaches Aibileen, the housekeeper of one of her best friends. But Aibileen and the rest of the maids know that if anyone learned they were telling their stories, many of which were very unpleasant, they would lose their jobs and maybe lose their lives.
“The Help” is a story about courage, faith, hope, taking chances and overcoming fears. Viola Davis deserves strong Oscar consideration for her performance as Aibileen and the rest of the cast is just as good. Octavia Spencer plays Aibileen’s best friend and fellow maid Milly. She adds many of the big laughs but also has some tough, serious moments. Bryce Dallas Howard plays Hilly, the most evil of the young women in Jackson who still enjoy treating African-Americans poorly. You’ll hate her, which means Howard does a nice acting job. The supporting cast also includes Sissy Spacek, Alison Janney, Mary Steenburgen and Cicely Tyson. Everyone is outstanding, including Stone.
This movie takes you on a roller-coaster ride of emotions. It’s funny, sweet, serious, and shocking. I can’t remember the last movie that was this sad and uplifting at the same time. One scene, involving a prank on a front lawn, sums this up perfectly.
“The Help” is nearly 2 1/2 hours long, allowing writer/director Tate Taylor to tell a thorough, honest and gritty story. It’s rated PG-13 for adult language and serious thematic material. It’s an important portrayal of an ugly chapter in American history and therefore is good for teenagers and up, since it is both entertaining and educational. And I’m sure fans of the book will be very pleased with this adaptation.
On The Official Kid Critic Report Card, “The Help” gets a B+. It is, without a doubt, one of the best films of 2011.