Release Date: December 6, 2011
Rating: PG-13
Running Time: Approximately 146 minutes

The #1 New York Times bestseller by Kathryn Stockett comes to vivid life through the powerful performances of a phenomenal ensemble cast. The Help is an inspirational, courageous and empowering story about very different, extraordinary women in the 1960s South who build an unlikely friendship around a secret writing project — one that breaks society‟s rules and puts them all at risk. Filled with poignancy, humor and hope — and complete with compelling, never-before-seen bonus features — The Help is a timeless, universal and triumphant story about the ability to create change.

The Help stars Emma Stone as the courageous Eugenia „Skeeter‟ Phelan, who goes against the beliefs of her family and friends to find her own voice. The critically praised, emotional performance of Viola Davis as Aibileen Clark, a woman who secretly dreams of one day having more than she has been given, offers a deep emotional storyline. The breakthrough performance of Octavia Spencer as Minny Jackson, whose sass and tough exterior disguise the pain and fear she faces every day, brings both drama and humor to the film. Bryce Dallas Howard breathes life into the catty Jackson socialite Hilly Holbrook and Jessica Chastain brings charm and humor as Celia Foote, a kind housewife living outside of town who longs to fit in. Sissy Spacek, Allison Janney and Ahna O‟Reilly also provide vivacious performances that round out this all-star female ensemble.

The Help had been on my “To Read” list for quite some time but it wasn’t until right before the film came out that I made sure to read every word of the most talked about novel of the year. Fresh in my head, I had so many hopes for this film and my hopes were exceeded. This was the perfect adaptation and it wasn’t until I watched the “Making Of” feature that I really understood why it came out the way that it did. This film has so much heart and passion driving it and that is what really brought this film to life. The screenplay is outstanding. The directing and the cinematography are beautiful. What a colorful film. So rich and bright all throughout even though the story is so heartbreaking at first. Wonderful contrast. And the casting could not have been any better. Jackpot with the casting. Everyone captured the characters that Stockett created in just the right way and you can tell that they all wanted to because this is a period piece that will live on and they wanted to do it justice. Job well done.

For someone who has not read the novel, the film will move you. It will make you very angry. I was prepared for what I would see and yet at times, I was still very upset. Bryce Dallas Howard really brought her character to life. She played that part to the core. What a fantastic job. But as time goes on, the anger settles as this race of women rise up and make their voices known. Plus, there are some comedic moments thrown in to bring light to such a heavy time and at times, uncomfortable tone. If you are hesitant about trekking back to this time, don’t be. Watch The Help and let it settle in your heart right where it needs to be. I think that everyone should watch The Help at least once a year to not just put us all in check but inspire us to be heard and maybe even be the voice that saves another. There are so many lessons in this film, in this book. It translates perfectly, but I must say that I also would love for The Help to be required reading in schools as well. Author, Kathryn Stockett is going to be remembered long after she is gone for this piece of work. It’s so genuine. Simply magnificent. So be sure to pick up your copy of The Help as it will be one of the greatest helps to yourself and those around you.

Bonus Features:
The Making of “The Help:” From Friendship To Film – What a fascinating feature this is! Photos from on location as well as a tour of the houses, church, etc… led by Taylor is intertwined with the interviews in this features seamlessly. Author, Kathryn Stockett and Writer/Director, Tate Taylor (also born and raised in Mississippi), and cast member, Octavia Spencer lead this feature, detailing the making of The Help. These three individuals have quite a history which I did not know about, nor did I know that Spencer inspired the character of Minnie… so there’s definitely plenty to learn here about how exactly the cast and crew connected and worked together on this film. It was also reaffirming to see and hear Spencer say that she was put off at first by the dialect in the book. But she pushed through, I did, and millions of other readers did and boy was it worth it! This is the perfect “Making Of” featurette because it starts at the beginning and doesn’t miss a step in the process… Stockett gets the idea for the book, Stockett gets rejected over 60 times before getting an agent who believed in her project, the director and screenwriters are chosen, the cast is chosen, history is recreated on location, and close friends succeeded in bringing their love letter to life. If you though the film made you cry, discovering Stockett and Taylor’s journey will have you in tears too. What a beautiful piece.

Also Appearing in this Feature:
Cast Members, Allison Janney, Jessica Chastain, Emma Stone, Viola Davis, Bryce Dallas Howard, Sissy Spacek
Producer, Brunson Green
Executive Producer, Chris Columbus
Production Designer, Mark Ricker

In Their Own Words: A Tribute To The Maids Of Mississippi – Actress, Octavia Spencer and Writer/Director Tate Taylor interview a small circle of former maids (and their daughters), including Taylor’s childhood maid. One of the real life maids shared that she became a maid at thirteen years old. It’s truly mind blowing to see a handful of woman who inspired the book/film. To put a true face to this history, words cannot express. The former maids and their daughters were treated to a beautiful lunch with all of the good food that you could imagine from Mississippi and footage of the luncheon was intertwined well with the interview. This is a sweet tribute and one of the greatest history lessons from the mouths of those who lived it. It doesn’t get any better than that.

Deleted Scenes – There are five deleted scenes with introductions by Director, Tate Taylor. “Humiliated” was without a doubt my favorite scene though I am glad that this was cut for the reasons that Taylor explained. “Keep On Walkin” is also quite a special scene for those who read the books. All of the scenes are worth checking out, so go ahead and press “Play All.”

* “The Living Proof” Music Video by Mary J. Blige

Own The Help on Blu-Ray and DVD today.