Film: "The Help" (2011)

[Bob Pr.]

"The Help" (2011), 146 min.; PG-13 (for thematic material). Genres: drama
Stars: Emma Stone, Viola Davis, Bryce Dallas Howard, Octavia Spencer
Based on the best selling book by Kathryn Stockett.
IMDb: 8.1 of 10 stars; IMDb - The Help (2011)
Rotten Tomatoes: 67% of top critics rate it "ripe" The Help - Rotten Tomatoes
Roger Ebert gives it 3 out of 4 stars: The Help :: rogerebert.com :: Reviews
Trailer: The Help Trailer (The Help: Trailer #1) - IMDb

Set in Jackson, Mississippi, in the early '60s, "Skeeter" (Stone) is a
recent college graduate aspiring to be a writer or novelist. Having
been raised by a Negro nanny whom she adored, she decides to
interview other local Negroes who serve as maids or nannys to
white families in the area, and write a book about their experiences.
The film shows the barriers between whites and blacks; Skeeter's
efforts help begin to surmount some of those.

IMO, the film's vision of the (white) Junior League of that era is
slightly a caricature--but fairly accurate in flavor. What I judged
inaccurate is having a JLer in Skeeter's fact-finding role at that
time, or having blacks daring to support her to the extent they're
shown doing. In a sense, the movie has a fairy tale aspect mixed
with time travelling (i.e., today's sensibilities travel back to examine
the '60s and participate in its social/political mix).

The acting was great and made the story come alive. It's primarily
about relationships between women and the IMDb demographic
ratings consistently reflect that: females rate the film almost 10%
higher than males regardless of age. The Help (2011) - User ratings
It's safe to say: if you loved the book, you'll love this movie.

My rating: 7.5 of 10
My female companions: 10 of 10

[pat]

I just started the book, and find it hard to put down.