The Help [2011]
The big reason The Help isn’t already sweeping up awards and probably won’t make much of a dent at February’s Oscars is that it’s not poignant enough. The subject matter is a sensitive one (racism and segregation), and it’s been covered countless times on the big screen, but this film’s treatment of it remains a little superficial and lightweight. It’s a testament, then, to the strength of Kathryn Stockett’s characters (she wrote the novel on which this movie is based) that despite these issues, The Help is still very touching (and funny). Visually, it’s much more appealing. The bright pastel colors captured by cinematographer Stephen Goldblatt pop beautifully. But mainly, The Help is a master class in acting, a plethora of incredible performances, three of them worthy of Oscar recognition: Viola Davis in her first starring role since her show-stopping breakthrough in 2008’s Doubt, Octavia Spencer’s hilarious and heartbreaking Minny and a delicious Jessica Chastain in full Amy-Adams mode. Bryce Dallas Howard, clearly enjoying her time as the ultimate stuck-up bitch, Emma Stone and Cicely Tyson round out the finest ensemble of 2011.
Can you say overrated? This is a nice sitcom version of the 60s but as a thought provoking expose of race relations it’s sadly lacking. Try watching To Kill a Mockingbird and then watch this.
Some nice performances, especially from Viola Davis and Jessica Chastain but I’d have to give Best Ensemble of 2011 to Bridesmaids . As always your review is succinct and well written!
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I do think it’s a little overrated but I enjoyed it a lot (more than you did, that’s for sure, haha). Jessica Chastain, Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer are amazing and Oscar-worthy 🙂 My favorite ensemble, along with Bridesmaids, so I agree with you there. Thanks for reading and commenting 🙂
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I loved this film, but I appreciate the book a lot more. The only thing that I didn’t like about it was that it added a comedy aspect that did not appear in the book. Great review!
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Thanks! 🙂
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