The Help

Have you heard about a movie called 'The Help' ?

Perhaps I've been living under a rock these past few weeks, because when a friend suggested we see this book turned film at the movies on the weekend, I hadn't heard a thing about it.

Here's a synopsis for those like me :

Based on one of the most talked about books in years and a #1 New York Times best-selling phenomenon,  “The Help” stars Emma Stone as Skeeter, Academy Award®–nominated Viola Davis as Aibileen and Octavia Spencer as Minny—three very different, extraordinary women in Mississippi during the 1960s,  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 everyone in town face-to-face with the changing times.

Can I say, it is exciting to sit down with a choc top and popcorn and watch a movie about which you have no preconcieved ideas.

However, I was certainly not prepared to be confronted by the racial, sociological and historical issues raised throughout the duration of the movie. I laughed. And I cried. But above all else, I bonded with the characters. It was an unexpected but welcome way to spend my Saturday afternoon.

As for the cast - There were a few familiar faces.

Like Anna Camp as Jolene. If you're a True Blood fan, you'll remember her as Sarah Newlin or "wife of the Reverend" from the Fellowship of the Sun church Jason Stackhouse gets involved with in season two.

And do you recognise this guy ?

Yep - Chris Lowell (who was Dell in Private Practice) plays Stuart. And was a great choice for the role.

I'm certainly no movie reviewer and I must admit that lately I have been spending my time watching carefully selected films of the light hearted variety, so I was pleasantly surprised to enjoy this thought provoking movie and I would encourage you to see it for yourself.

Now I'm off to get the book..

xx