THE HELP is out in theatres today!

SYNOPIS: THE HELP stars Emma Stone (Easy A) as Skeeter, Academy Award nominated Viola Davis (Doubt) as Aibileen and Octavia Spencer as Minny- three very different, extraordinary women in the Mississippi during the 1960?s, who build an unlikely friendship around a secret writing project that breaks societal rules and puts them all at risk. From their improbable alliance a remarkable sisterhood emerges, instilling all of them with the courage to transcend the lines that define them, and the realization that sometimes those lines are made to be crossed – even if it means bringing every one in town face-to-face with changing times.

Deeply moving, filled with poignancy, humor and hope, “The Help” is a timeless and universal story about the ability to create change.

REVIEW: Not having read the book, I walked into the theatre not knowing what I was in for. I figured it would be a tear-jerker so I was ready with a tissue in my hand. What I got was a perfect balance of heart and comedy.

The movie was a modest eye opener for anyone who was (fortunate enough?) to have had a nanny, a maid, a help, or for some, a second mom while growing up. Bottom line, their job is not easy and they’re often taken for granted. What I appreciated most about the story was that the sad reality of it all wasn’t just shoved down the viewer’s throat. It wasn’t all about the worse of things, and it really did get that bad for a colored person at time (racism, isolated outhouses, low income, etc). The bits of comedy were put in at just the right parts that even though your heart is hurting for these women, you can’t help but think that in the long run they’ll be just fine. One thing to point if you’re watching for it first time, you’re going to love the pies!

Although Emma Stone probably wouldn’t have been my first choice for a movie like this, she managed to pull me in and convince me of the importance of her role as a woman of that time. I couldn’t help but keep picturing her as the outcast from that movie, Easy A. But then again, she is the outcast of the town in this story… no husband not even a boyfriend to speak of, having a job, communicating with the help as though they’re in the same class. So different story, same emotions with a splash of southern accent? Regardless, she is a star that is making her mark.

After watching it, I think I might actually try to find the book, just to compare. And as for that tissue I had ready in my hand at the beginning if the movie, one definitely wasn’t enough.

THE HELP is a definite must-watch movie.

If you haven’t had the chance to enter yet, the giveaway for THE HELP prize pack is still open.

Disclosure: I received advance screening tickets for the purpose of this review. The opinions in this post are entirely my own. This post has not been reviewed or edited by anyone. I was not compensated for this post in any other way.