The Help

We've all seen 'message' films before whereas wrongs were to be made right no matter the situation or consequences involved, but "The Help" put a whole new slant on that type of film that kept you thinking hard well after leaving the cineplex.

Set in Mississippi during the 1960s, Eugenia 'Skeeter' Phelan (Emma Stone) is a southern society girl who returns from college determined to become a writer, but turns her friends lives-- and a small Mississippi town-- upside down when she decides to interview the black women who have spent their lives taking care of prominent white southern families. Aibileen Clark (Viola Davis), Skeeter's best friend, Elizabeth's (Ahna O'Reilly) housekeeper, is the first to open up, second is Minny Jackson (Octavia Spencer)-- to the dismay of her friends in the tight-knit black community. Despite Skeeter's life-long friendships hanging in the balance, especially with that of Hilly Holbrook (Bryce Dallas Howard), she and Aibileen continue their collaboration and soon more women come forward to tell their stories-- and as it turns out, they have a lot to say.

Along the way, unlikely friendships are forged such as Celia Foote (Jessica Chastain) hiring and befriending Minny, and a new sisterhood emerges, but not before everyone in town has a thing or two to say when they themselves become unwittingly-- and unwillingly caught up in the changing times.

This was incredibly well written and directed by newcomer Tate Taylor and I'm sure he will kept in mind for future projects. This wonderful film was based on Kathryn Stockett's powerful novel. This was obviously based on a fictional piece of work, but could've easily been based on a true story, because of how the project was handled.

Davis could certainly be in the running for an Oscar nomination. Her performance was simply perfection. In fact, the entire cast was great, especially Sissy Spacek as Hilly's Mom. She was just a hoot. Others to round out the cast are Allison Janney as Charlotte Phelan, Skeeter's Mom, Anna Camp as Jolene French, Mike Vogel as Johnny Foote, Celia's husband, Cicely Tyson as Constantine Jefferson, and Brian Kerwin as Robert Phelan, Skeeter's Dad.

Everyone should view this film for its message and the power that goes with that. But not only was the film powerful, it was also entertaing in that it was funny, beautifully shot and really showed how these characters progressed or regressed even more. When you can walk out of the theater and could hear a pin drop on the carpet, this has got to make one think.

Out of 4 stars: 4                         Rated: PG-13                        137min.