Usually a movie adaptation of a beloved novel is disappointing (I'm looking at you, Simon Birch). But then there are the adaptations that almost (ALMOST) surpass the brillance of the novel (I'm looking at you with adoring eyes, The Lord of the Rings Trilogy).
So where does The Help movie fit? It's solidly in the LOVE category. I love everything about the movie - even the little changes from the book.
The casting is nearly perfect. Emma Stone does a great job as Skeeter. Viola Davis is sublime as Aibileen and if you ask me, she deserves an Oscar for her performance. Octavia Spencer as Minny is perfection (she narrated that character for the audiobook, to perfection as well - she IS Minny) and she should receive a nomination, too. Bryce Dallas Howard as Hilly was solid - I've read that she was the weakest cast member and I can see where they think that, but I thought she played her well. Sissy Spacek as Hilly's mother is great (hilarious) and Alison Janney as Skeeter's mother is great, too. The weakest were the men, but this movie was not about the men.
The one actor that I expect to actually get a nomination is Cicely Tyson as Constantine. She was in just two scenes, but both were so powerful, emotional. Both scenes brought me to tears. But Constantine made me cry when I read the book, too.
If you loved The Help book, have no fear of the movie. It's a very faithful adaption that will be as beloved by fans of the story.
I give The Help 5 stars out of 5.
3 comments:
Cool. I'm hoping to get out to see it tomorrow - glad it was good, I've been a tad nervous :)
I was nervous until I started reading the buzz.
Mrs. Robbo and the eldest gel saw it and loved it.
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