Last week marked the premiere of the movie "The Help" and by now, I'm sure you've heard that everyone's talking about it. It could be that it's based on the New York Times best-selling book by Kathryn Stockett. Or it might just well be the collective performances of a talented cast. I like to think it's both.

I have not read the book yet, but have been advised that it's a must-read. If the movie did it any justice, then I'm sure I would enjoy the paperback version. "The Help" tells the story of "three very different 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." Can you just imagine all the gossip?


When I was invited to the screening, I knew I had to take my friend Marianne along with me. She has not yet read the book but is an avid reader and writer who has kindly written a couple of book reviews for me. She also grew up in a country where it was commonplace to have hired help, similar to the scenario in this movie. So I valued her opinion. "The Help" may come across as a 'chick flick' and by the large ratio of women to men in the theatre that day, you might think it is. However, I highly recommend this movie to anyone, man or woman, who enjoys a good story about courage and to anyone is willing to let themselves be moved by a touching story based on real events, a story that is wonderfully portrayed by brilliant actresses.



AIBILEEN CLARK

(VIOLA DAVIS)

A third-generation housemaid, who at 53 years old has raised 17 children in her care, Aibileen discovers her voice and the courage to defy the conventions of the early 1960s.






SKEETER PHELAN

(EMMA STONE)

A bright, enthusiastic recent college graduate and aspiring writer, Skeeter bucks the trend for southern women of the time by being more interested in her career than marriage.




HILLY HOLBROOK

(BRYCE DALLAS HOWARD)



Pretty, well-groomed Hilly Holbrook is the queen bee of the young mothers’ social network in Jackson, Miss., and the epitome of southern charm and hospitality—especially when she is manipulating someone.





MINNY JACKSON

(OCTAVIA SPENCER)


Known as much for her sass as her great cooking, Minny won’t take much guff from anyone, but her heart is always in the right place.





CELIA FOOTE

(JESSICA CHASTAIN)



Unpretentious, rough-around-the edges Celia snagged the hottest bachelor in Jackson, Miss., and now is paying the price by being shunned from all the social circles.



If you haven't seen "The Help" yet, pack some tissues in your purse (or your date's purse) and be prepared to dive into the lives of women who risked losing everything in the hopes of creating change. My friend and I both shed a few tears near the end and agree that the movie was worth seeing. In fact, "The Help" could very well be the movie of the summer.

Before closing, I would like to announce the winner of "The Help" prize pack giveaway.

21. D. Calvert

Congratulations! I will be emailing you soon!

Disclosure: I was able to attend an advance screening with a friend in order to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own.


Images courtesy of Walt Disney Studios