Jan Wahl Movie Review: 'The Help'
You can hear KCBS Entertainment Editor Jan Wahl's movie reviews on KCBS All News 740AM and 106.9FM Fridays at 8:53am & 4:53pm.
(KCBS) - KCBS Entertainment Editor Jan Wahl reviews 'The Help,' based on the bestselling novel by Katheryn Stockett, starring Emma Stone, Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer, and Bryce Dallas Howard.
'The Help' (PG-13)
So far two great movies this summer: Midnight in Paris and Page One: Inside the New York Times. Now, add this one, based on the bestselling novel by Katheryn Stockett. Set in 1960's Jackson, Mississippi, we meet three brave women determined to break the cycle of racism and repression. Young Emma Stone does a believable, strong job as the writer who wants to tell the story of the help, but it is Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer that make the film soar. We get invested in their journey and cheer them all the way, though we are reminded this is a fictional tale set in a real world. Writer/director Tate Taylor keeps the story taut, fascinating, relatable, while Bryce Dallas Howard gets a special hats off for keeping it real and monstrous. Four hats..and here's hoping we see Oscar nominations all around for this powerful movie.
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