On CLIPS In September, 2011
THE HELP 

Courageous maids help a writer (Emma Stone) uncover servant abuse in 1960s Mississippi.

TRIVIA: Who wrote the novel upon which this movie is based?

ROG'S VIEWPOINT
       (4 CAMS)        RATED PG-13

In 1960s Mississippi, Eugenia ‘Skeeter’ Phelan (Emma Stone) returns home from college determined to become a writer. Deciding to interview the black women who have spent their lives caring for white southern families, Skeeter begins with her best friend’s housekeeper Aibileen (Viola Davis). She reluctantly opens up and soon others follow, including the outspoken Minny (Octavia Spencer). Many stories are revealed and the town is forever changed. “The Help” is a fascinating and engrossing cinematic gem that manages to educate while it entertains. Touching on all emotions, director Tate Taylor and a talented cast paint a vivid and stirring picture of this turbulent time in the South. The powerful performances of Davis, Spencer and Stone are overshadowed by Bryce Dallas Howard’s brilliant portrayal of the manipulative, vindictive southern housewife Hilly Holbrook. It will be a crime if she doesn’t get a Best Supporting Actress nomination. Actually, this movie should garner many nominations with actresses like Jessica Chastain, Allison Janney, Sissy Spacek and Cicely Tyson also involved. While this is a women’s movie, men will find enough in the numerous story threads to hold their interest. One of the best films of the year, “The Help” shouldn’t need any help attracting attention this coming awards season.