Opened: August 10, 2011

Directed by: Tate Taylor

Starring: Emma Stone, Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer, Bryce Dallas Howard, Jessica Chastain, Allison Janney, Ahna O’Reilly, Sissy Spacek, Chris Lowell, Mike Vogel, Cicely Tyson, Anna Camp, Brian Kerwin, Aunjanue Ellis, Wes Chatham, Shane McRae, LaChanze, Mary Steenburgen, Leslie Jordan, David Oyelowo & Dana Ivey

With a spectacular cast, The Help brings Kathryn Stockett’s novel to life in a drama that’ll have you crying and laughing throughout.

Skeeter Phelan (Emma Stone) decides to write a book about the perspective of black maids working for white women in 1963. She enlists the help of Aibileen Clark (Viola Davis) and Minny Jackson (Octavia Spencer) whom aim to get the truth out there no matter the risk.

While a beautiful film, The Help focuses on the white women and their problems more than it does the black women. Aibileen and Minny are both fantastic characters whose depth could be explored more. Unfortunately, they’re the only two maids at the forefront.

Spencer and Bryce Dallas Howard create iconic roles with one of the most memorable scenes in cinematic history.

Final say: More light could’ve been shed on the help. ★★★★☆