In 2009, a novel titled, “The Help” opened in Book stores. It sold millions of copies and earned good reviews from critics and readers alike. The story is set in The 1960s when “The Civil Rights Movement” sparked a new age. Fed up with racism, first time writer Skeeter comes up with an idea to write a book told from the perspective of two black maids named, Abilene Clark & Minny Jackson. Together, they share their thoughts on what it’s like working for white families during a time when racism was dreadful back then.
Two Years Later, a film adaptation starring Emma Stone,Viola Davis & Octavia Spencer opened in theaters worldwide.
The Help was released in 2011. (same year David Fincher’s The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo came out) It received positive reviews from critics and movie goers alike. In addition to good reception, it also made enough money at the box office. The Help became an eligible nominee at The Oscars with Octavia Spencer ultimately winning “Best Supporting Actress.”
There’s a variety of reasons why I wanted to review The Help, is because most of the cast and crew will appear/produce their own upcoming movies. Allow me to break each one down. Emma Stone (one of my favorite actresses) will fill in Glenn Close’s high heels in an upcoming prequel to “101 Dalmatians” known as “Cruella.” Viola Davis will reprise her role as Amanda Waller in James Gunn’ “The Suicide Squad.” Jessica Chastain will co-star with Oscar Isaac in an HBO mini-series titled, “Scenes From A Marriage.” Bryce Dallas Howard will reprise her role as Claire Dearing in “Jurassic World: Dominion.” Octavia Spencer will collaborate with Riz Ahmed in “Invasion.” Chris Columbus is rumored to produce a film adaptation of the video game “Five Nights At Freddy’s” & is an executive producer of an animated “Gremlins” series on HBO MAX.
Phew! It’s like I’m writing my own Pokémon rap listing a cast and crew‘s upcoming works.
Today’s review doesn’t contain no SPOILERS. Is it a hit or miss? Let’s get down to business.
Healthy & Unhealthy Aspects
Healthy: The Main Cast including Emma Stone, Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer, Bryce Dallas Howard & Jessica Chastain all did an excellent job for their respective performances.
Fun Fact: Emma & Bryce both portrayed Gwen Stacy in separate “Spider-Man” films. Emma played Gwen in the first two “The Amazing Spider-Man films.” Bryce played Gwen in “Spider-Man 3.” Don’t forget Octavia had a small role in Sam Raimi’s first Spidey film.
Other Cast Members such as Allison Janney, Sissy Spacek, David Oyelowo, Ashley Johnson (Ellie from The Last Of Us) Mary Steenburgen & Leslie Jordan all did a good job for their respective performances.
Chris Columbus (Home Alone, Mrs. Doubtfire, the first two Harry Potter films) serves as a producer courtesy of his production company 1492 Pictures.
Tate Taylor (Get On Up, The Girl On The Train, Ma) did a great job writing and directing.
Cinematography never suffered from any technical issues throughout.
The Tone manages to balance between seriousness and comedy. Humor isn’t over-the-top as in “Blazing Saddles.” It feels lighthearted. In the words of Thanos. “Perfectly balanced.”
Thomas Newman (The Shawshank Redemption, WALL-E, Skyfall, Spectre) orchestrated music.
Chemistry between Skeeter, Aibileen & Minny served as the main highlight. They’re interactions push the story forward.
Costume Designs were made by skilled tailors. They reflect the time period.
Set Pieces were manually built by set decorators.
Primary Themes are Social Class, Writing, Racism & Freedom. Each theme is handled maturely.
Without giving anything away, Hilly an unpleasant racist, eats a “delicious” treat. This is probably the best part of the movie. I’ll have to give it Bonus Points for making me laugh hysterically. Almost on the same level as the food poisoning scene from “Bridesmaids.”
I can’t tell you about The Ending. You’re gonna have to see for yourself.
Mary J. Blige’a song “Living Proof” is played during The End Credits.
Unhealthy: Product Placement features only one brand Coca-Cola. I’ll let this con slide, because there’s no any other brand to shove down my throat.
I couldn’t find no problems with the movie. I’m giving The Cast & Crew an Extra Point for making a flawless movie as possible.
I’m gonna be brutally honest. I never shed any tears. The only movie that made me cry in 2011 was “Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows.” The last movie that made me cry was “Avengers: Endgame.” I haven’t cried since The Mandalorian’s second season finale.
The Final Verdict: A, FOR APEX!
From my perspective, The Help is a feel good movie that’ll make you satisfied. If you have nothing to do over the weekend, I strongly recommend this movie.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 