Year: 2011
Genre: Drama
Director: Tate Taylor
Plot: Racial discrimination is high in Jackson, Mississippi in the 1960s. Aspiring writer Eugenia 'Skeeter' Phelan attempts to write a book about the plight of colored maids in her town. Assisting her on her quest are two maids: the kind Aibileen Clark and the spunky Minny Jackson.
The gist: The Help is based on the bestselling novel by Kathryn Stockett. Under the direction of Tate Taylor, this film is an entertaining piece of work. It convincingly displays the discrimination between white folks and their colored help during the civil rights movement in the 1960s.
Taylor is wise enough to mix an equal balance of drama and humour, thereby making the film interesting enough to hold the audience's attention, though it is not without flaws. His biggest asset is the cast, made up of the finest actresses you can find for a film such as this.
What's good: Everyone in the cast is spot on. Viola Davis rightfully earned her Oscar nomination as Aibileen, easily gaining the audience's sympathy with her performance as a maid with a tragic past. Octavia Spencer wins an Oscar for playing Minny Jackson, whose character isn't as nice as Aibileen, but has the same heart of gold and an attitude we all can relate to. Worthy mentions also go to Bryce Dallas Howard as the antagonist Hilly Holbrook, Jessica Chastain as the eccentric Celia Foote and a minor role by Cicely Tyson as Skeeter's former maid Constantine. Emma Stone is also solid as Skeeter Phelan, though she is outshone by Davis and Spencer.
What's bad: The film could use some editing, particularly the subplot about Skeeter's relationship with her boyfriend Stuart, which wasn't necessary to include here. The other thing is Stone's portrayal of Skeeter, which although was solid, comes off as being a tad too modern.
Verdict: The Help is a solid drama which everyone can enjoy, and truly worthy of all the attention it received at the Oscars. Recommended. (3.5/5)
Year: 2011
Genre: Historical drama
Director: Robert Redford
Plot: After the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln, all of the conspirators are brought to trial, including Mary Surratt, the only woman among them. A Union soldier turned lawyer, Frederick Aiken is assigned to represent her.
Tidbits: The Conspirator is an interesting piece if you were ever interested in Abe Lincoln and his famed assassination. This film explores the trial of Mary Surratt, a woman who had given boarding to the assassin John Wilkes Booth and his friends on the night of the murder. Director Robert Redford makes it quite accurate in a historical sense, though I wouldn't want to speculate how true these events are, but Redford does make it feel authentic. What's also fascinating is the fact that Redford chooses to sympathize with Mary Surratt and depict the Union prosecutors and government as terribly one sided people who have already decided that she's guilty.
What's good: The casting is excellent, with a great ensemble putting in solid work all around. Robin Wright, Evan Rachel Wood, Tom Wilkinson, Colm Meaney, Danny Huston and Kevin Kline are all good in their roles, with James McAvoy doing an excellent job as Frederick Aiken. The pace of the film is surprisingly good too, as historical films like these tend to drag.
What's bad: Nothing really, but I do wish they had explored Aiken and Mary's relationship a bit further. There were glimpses of hope, but they were too brief.
Verdict: The film didn't do too well financially, but it is by no means bad. I think it's quite underrated, and movie fans ought to check it out. Even if you're not a fan of American history, the fine cast is reason enough to see it. (3.5/5)
N.B.: Look out for brief appearances by Alexis Bledel (Gilmore Girls), Jonathan Groff (Glee) and Norman Reedus (The Walking Dead).
I need an extra outlet.
Sure, FF has been a great place for film reviews, but there are times when I want to talk about a film without having to write an entire review for it. Perhaps a shorter, to the point way of doing things may work.
I say "may", because I'm not sure how long I can keep this up. You'll know if this place is still here every time you come back.
Note to all of you: the original FF will still exist and run. This is a just an extra place to talk about other films. As usual, please comment if you have something to share. Thanks.
