A Movie Review of The Help

The Help is a gripping story about how a White woman set out to tell the story of African-American maids in the 1960's. Set in Jackson, Mississippi, Skeeter is an aspiring writer that has just arrived back in her hometown. She see's how the maids are being treated and she decided to write a book detailing their point of view.

I wont get much into the story because I think that is the strongest part of this movie. It introduces many characters, all in a very concise, but effective way. The plot pretty much drives the movie, and every scene contributes a little something to it, you never get the feel that you are slowing down to much. The obstacles that the characters must face are well executed, and the ultimate resolve is very gratifying. All in all, what you would expect from a Hollywood movie, but with much more detail which is why this movie shines.

The acting was very well done, every character was portrayed in a very grounded, very personal way that serves the movie well. I think none of  the performances really stand out from one another, you don't go out of the theater and say "That acting was fantastic!" But I think it works well for the general tone of the movie. Good acting, good casting.

I'm finding hard to talk about something else in this movie, I think the cinematography had nothing special to it, all the shots seemed ok. At least not one scene took me out of the experience. The way it was film felt very natural, nothing wrong with that. Again, cinematography: nothing special.

I can see why it would get nominated for Best Picture, but it doesn't seem that it would win. Just my opinion. Final thoughts: Its a good movie overall, great story. A very American,  very Hollywood style of movie. I wasn't inclined to go see it when it first came out, but that is just my taste in movies.

MOVIE SCORE: 

• 7/10
• A (O.W.L.)