My review of "The Help"

The films is set in the 1960's, it's about black maids who decide to stand up against being treated like crap. This all with the help of Emma Stone's character by the name of Skeeter Phelan who plays a struggling journalist that decides to write a controversial book about these two maids she befriends... Makes you disgusted with how the world used to be.

If I had to use one sentence to describe this movie, I would say "This movie is like cheese and crackers". Now, let me explain.. the "cheese" stands for the cheesy-nes that I feel when I'm watching this movie... I can't help but think that there's a feeling I've seen this story over and over again. The "crackers" stand for the things that make this movie stand out from all the other movies that are like this one...

Exhibit A. Viola Davis - Such an incredible actress filled with so many emotions. The slightest facial expression she does, makes you drawn to her. She's a joy to watch, always. The first time I saw her, was in "Doubt", the film that earned her the first Academy Award nomination. I'm very happy that she's nominated, it's a tought category though and everyone has just as much of a chance to win. I am rooting for Viola though..

Exhibit B. Octavia Spencer - I heard, and I don't know if this is true, that her role was written specifically for her. It wouldn't surprise me, she absolutely NAILS it! Another worthy Oscar nominee.

Exhibit C. Jessica Chastain - So incredibly lovable in this film, makes you just want to give her a big hug. A very deserving Oscar nomination, great emotional acting.

Exhibit D. Cicely Tyson - The old woman, Constantine Jefferson in the film. She played the maid of Emma Stone, who got fired. Her role just makes you very emotional, she plays it brilliantly, even though it was so short, it was one of the most memorable things about the film.

Now I'm not saying the other actors were bad, but these four really stood out and I think they deserved their Oscar nominations, Cicely Tyson did not receive one however but to me, did a golden performance. Emma Stone was great, as always. Bryce Dallas Howard made a good villain. What is it about "The Help" that bugs me? To be honest with you... I can't say... The writing may be a little cheesy from time to time but it works... The director, Tate Taylor, did a great job... Maybe it was a little too dragged out?

I'm not saying it's a bad movie, it's worth a look but I can understand how it might leave some people disappointed.. But I can also understand people who liked the film.

My rating: 7,2/10