Review of The Help (2011) by Tibor B — 17 Sep 2012

This admirable, well-intentioned drama takes the issue of 60s racism in small town America from the perspective of "the Help", the ubiquitous black maids found in most middle-class white homes.

It's a lightweight, overlong, manipulative and often clumsily executed film but succeeds due to a very good cast and a good sense of humour, which dilutes the earnest message. Davis brings a modest, reserved charm to her role whilst Spencer brings some much needed sass.

Aside from an unnecessary lame romance, Stone again proves likeable as the smart independent wannabe-journalist, and Chastain brings a sympathetic vulnerability as the aspirational trophy wife. Only Howard pushes a bit too far into cliche, with her Stepford wife monster who proves to be ugly on the inside, and has a suitably yucky comeuppance.

In summary a fairly typical audience-friendly drama, but anyone with a sense of critical judgement will see the soft execution and wish it had a few more teeth.