The Help, starring Emma Stone, Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer and Bryce Dallas Howard, is a film based on a 2009 novel by American author Kathryn Stockett about African American maids working in white households in Jackson, Mississippi. Set in the 1960s, Skeeter (Stone) returns home from college to her wealthy southern society life, determined to make a name for herself as a serious writer. Motivated by her love and respect for her former housekeeper, she decides to interview the black woman who have spent their lives raising and caring for white children and families.

Equal parts heart and humour, The Help will get you laughing and crying. Phenomenally acted, housekeeper’s Aibileen (Davis) and Minnie (Octavia) are portrayed with dignity and courage, even in the midst of the fight for civil rights. While I have not yet read The Help, the film is everything most blockbusters in the theatres current lack, heart and a message. This film speaks about family, friends, and community of any race.

Now on a less serious note, go see it, but make sure you bring tissues.

 

Rabbit Hole starring Nicole Kidman and Aaron Eckhart is about a couple overcome by grief after their 4 year old son dies in an accident. The couple finds themselves caught in a cycle of memory, repressed rage, sarcasm, and longing. Largely a credit to wonderful acting, Rabbit Hole is a hopeful and honest portrait of a family searching for comfort during a time of pain and guilt.

The suppression and quiet grief that consumes both Becca (Kidman) and Howie (Eckhart) is restrained, yet translates on the screen as we mourn alongside the stricken parents. The movie paces slowly with the couple as they try to restore normalcy to their lives and to “cope”. Tragic, thoughtful, and without theatrical melodrama in most stories about love and loss, Rabbit Hole has you in tears and leaves you with a sense of hope for better days to come.

The formula for a successful romantic comedy lies solely on the chemistry of its two leads and plot often takes the backseat. Fortunately, in No Strings Attached, Ashton Kutcher and Natalie Portman are a great pair and the concept, albeit a bit gimmicky, is alright. Portman and Kutcher are remarkably easy on the eyes, funny, relatable, and wait did I already say smokin’ hot?

No Strings Attached is about two friends who try to keep a physical relationship, but as advertised…”it is not long before they learn that they want something more.” As predictable as it sounds, I really enjoyed it. The dialogue is sharp and mildly inappropriate at times to keep things fresh. The ensemble is completed with great comedians Kevin Kline, Mindy Kaling, Greta Gerwig and the gorgeous Lake Bell. The supporting cast is star-studded and equally funny. A definite rarity in chick-flicks, where sidekicks are the antithesis of the romantic pair.

It’s the acting alone that elevates this movie from watch on DVD to a worthy theatre flick as a result of its strong leads. Natalie Portman shows her comedic range and steps comfortably into the role of a damaged strong modern woman. Ashton Kutcher is the same loveable goof and beyond beautiful on the big screen. Consider No Strings Attached as a rom com in reverse, where the woman calls the shots and the man waits for her. Proving once again, can guys and girls ever JUST BE FRIENDS?

And for a closing thought-  Ashton Kutcher is a dreamboat. Seriously, a dream boat.