The Help: The Movie
Tonight’s hotel buffet dinner was meatballs and mashed potatoes… only the meatballs were swimming in gravy and not marinara sauce. Ryan and I took one look and turned right around and headed back to our hotel room to make a meal from the random food we have on hand.
Fortunately I had some more homemade veggie lasagna that I nabbed from my parents’ freezer stashed away in our freezer, so I fixed myself a big slice and dug in!
Much better than gravy meatballs.
After dinner Ryan and I went on a walk to explore the area and got a kick out of the swirly sidewalks.
They look like they should be covered in brick, painted yellow and placed in The Wizard of Oz movie.
Once we got back from our walk, it was time for us to hightail it to the movie theater!
The Help: The Movie
Ever since I read The Help and found out it was going to be made into a movie, I’ve been waiting for it to debut in theaters. (You may read my book review of The Help here.)
The Help is one of my all-time favorite books. Let’s just say I had high expectations for the movie.
I thought the movie (all two-and-a-half hours!) was very well done. The characters were well cast and the movie was heart warming, funny and emotional. And it gave me the same sense of hatred I had for Hilly Holbrook that I had when I read the book.
There’s so much to the movie – history, friendship, family, love and complete ignorance.
The movie did what the book did to me while I watched it: It made me think about how things were during that time in America. It’s so hard to believe the kind of awful prejudice detailed in the movie existed so openly not that long ago. Segregated bathrooms? It’s incomprehensible to me, but I am grateful for movies and books that take us back to this time to hopefully reiterate how far we’ve come and how crazy we once were.
I will say that the movie left out a lot of the back story and “behind the scenes” parts of The Help that really engaged me as a reader and helped develop the characters further. I found myself wishing more was included, but I think that happens anytime a book is made into a movie.
As a big-time lover of the book, I think I’m naturally overly critical of the movie. I really did enjoy it a lot and would absolutely recommend it to others, but the book still has my heart 100 percent.
And, for what it’s worth, Ryan said he liked the movie a lot. He was surprised that it wasn’t nearly as much of a “chick flick” as he anticipated and said it was really funny.
Now it’s bed time!
Filed under: Dinner
That’s such a strange sidewalk! A neat little quirk of the town! I haven’t seen that movie, but I’ve always wanted to. Maybe I should make time to go?
Bee Goes Bananas
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I didn’t realize it was out yet! I’m slow. looved the book. glad to hear the movie was good. they’re never as good as the book but thats to be expected
Alli
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Thank goodness for leftovers!!
And I’m so Glad you enjoyed The movie! I want to read it before seeing the movie.
Savannah (sweet and savvy)
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I reALLY wnt to see that!!! aanddd wow.. i need lasagna now..
Carrie
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Thanks for the review! I am excited to see it.
Jess@atasteofconfidence
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I NEED to read the book before I see the movie – I feel like that’s the only way! Although movies usually aren’t as good – so maybe I should see it first, then read the book….to end on a high note!
Courtney @ The Granola Chronicles
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Are books not always way better?! And frozen lasagna looks kinda deeeelicious
Jessica @ The Process of Healing
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I’m definitely gonna check this movie out soon! Emma Stone is my girl crush! She was so great in Crazy, Stupid, Love!
Amy
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I just imagine this hotel advertising the foods you describe every day in the worst possible way.
“Tonight, try our GRAVY BALLS!”
“Eggs! Now… with MORE GREASE THAN EVER BEFORE!”
“Chicken parm… SORT OF!”
(this hotel loves caps and exclamation points.)
I think I’ll have to read the book before the movie, just to get the full experience. But v. exciting that Ryan liked it!
Jordan @ food, sweat, and beers
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Becki Reply:
August 11th, 2011 at 6:06 am
Hehehe you just made me laugh out loud in work x
Becki
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peanutbutterfingers Reply:
August 11th, 2011 at 8:42 am
gravy ballllllllls!!!!!!!
and you’re spot-on with your advertising!
peanutbutterfingers
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I’m always very over-critical of movie adaptations of books. You’re not alone, Julie!
Brittany @ Itty Bits of Balance
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There are so many movies I need to see! I haven’t even seen Water for Elephants yet! I just don’t know I will be able to convince my husband to see it with me
Lindsey
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I cannot wait to see the movie now! My boyfriend and I trade off on movies. We saw Cowboys and Aliens a couple weeks ago, and this Friday he’s taking me to see the Glee 3D movie. So it’s going to be a little bit before I get to see The Help..
Bianca
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I need to borrow this book from my sister ASAP! I feel like I need to read it prior to seeing the movie! I’m glad you liked it
Liz @ Something To Chew On
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So now I have to drop everything and read the book. Along with the half of America that didn’t read it before the movie came out.
Alisa @ Running with Knives
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Thanks to the freezer for the lasagna! Homemade always wins….. As for the movie! YAY! I can’t wait to see it! …..The book is always better, especially if you read it before you go to the move! Glad you included a his & hers opinion ….maybe the husband will see it with me
Julie H. of Spinach and Sprinkles
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I just finished the book (like, today) and can’t wait to see the movie!!!!
Charlie
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I want to see the movie but I’m patient enough for it to come out on netflix haha. For a 2hr+ movie I’m surprised that they were capable of leaving stuff out ha!
chelsea
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Sounds like the movie was a success! My opinion is that the movie can NEVER be as good as the book, so the best you can really hope for is an entertaining movie experience.
Glad you had a backup available for dinner! I hate being at the mercy of buffets/hotels where there aren’t very many options! It’s always good to be prepared!
Karen @ She Flies With Her Own Wings
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I saw The Help tonight too and LOVED IT! I also read the book and agree that it left out some parts, but what post book movie hasn’t? I would also like to state that I have NEVER cried that much in a movie.. please tell me you crried?! If I hadn’t been trying hard to keep my composer I would have bust out in hysterical tears at least twice. The way people are treated in that movie just made me so angry, even when I knew it was coming! My boyfriend really loved it too! Such a great movie. Everyone go see it
Avery
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You just convinced me to go see it!
Morgan @ Endorphaholic
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Loooooved that book but I’m not sure if I want to rush out and see the movie. I figured they’d leave quite a bit out (as usual). Books always top movies!
em @ simplypresent
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I’m glad to hear you enjoyed it after reading and loving the book. I’m afraid to see this movie because of how much I loved the book and don’t want to “ruin” the characters created in my head. I don’t think i would worry so much if it weren’t for “The Kite Runner” movie… totally ruined the book for me
jaci
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peanutbutterfingers Reply:
August 11th, 2011 at 8:44 am
the kite runner may be the next book i pick up. would you recommend it?
peanutbutterfingers
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jaci Reply:
August 11th, 2011 at 6:47 pm
YES YES YES!! Also “A Thousand Splendid Suns”. I didn’t read them consecutively, but I think it would add to the experience of the books. By far, two of the BEST books I have ever read. They are similar to the help in the way that they capture your heart, but there is such a cultural difference that it’s hard to put down- I read ATSS in one night. I also recommend not seeing “The Kite Runner movie haha.
jaci
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i cannot wait to see ‘the help’ this weekend! i love the book too. thanks for the great review:)
dana a.
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Finishing up the book now! Can’t wait to see the movie. Not so sure if my boyfriend will see it with me, but luckily my best friend Adam already said he wanted to (I knew we were best friends for a reason)
Btw, the lasagna looks so yummy! I wouldn’t be able to resist eating that if it were in my freezer!
Mallory @ It’s Only Life, After All
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I absolutely LOVED the book. I never have wanted to cry and jump for joy all in the same book. Miss Skeeter is my hero
I didn’t realize that the movie was out. I am definitely going to see it!!
Andrea H
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I can hardly wait to see it. I’m going to make my husband read this post, so he can see that another man went to it and thought it was okay… he’s expressing some resistance to going haha
Ali
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I read ‘The Help’ thanks to your review and absolutely loved it! I cannot wait to see the movie!
Khushboo
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peanutbutterfingers Reply:
August 11th, 2011 at 8:44 am
so glad you loved it! one of the best books ever!
peanutbutterfingers
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I am so debating seeing this movie. I’ve seen so many adaptations that I’ve been disappointed in. Especially when I looooooove the book like I did this one.
PS… Did you see they made Sarah’s Key into a movie too?
Not sure what I even think about all these great books being made into movies. May give the Help a chance based upon your review. Thanks for sharing!
Kelly
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peanutbutterfingers Reply:
August 11th, 2011 at 8:45 am
i did see that! but i can’t find it playing in a theater near me. boo!
peanutbutterfingers
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Seriously one of my favorite books! Can’t wait to see the movie now!
Kait @ One Love Run
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The book was amazing. After seeing previews for the movie, and hearing so much about the book I read it and loved it!! You should definitely post the recipe for your mom’s vegetarian lasagna it looks delicious!
Sarah
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I really want to read this book! You’ve convinced.me!
Angela @ MyPinkyToes
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Lasagna and a Movie! Sounds tasty! I can’t wait to see the movie although I haven’t read the book. Glad to hear it’s not to much of a ‘Chick Flick’
Eric Willis
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Great! I’m looking forward to seeing the movie too!
Gen
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i really want to see the movie! especially since you said you thought the movie adaptation was pretty good! i hate when the movie version completely disappoints!
hmmmm….i wonder if i can convince the bf to go see it…
erica
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I loved the book of The Help, too, and also went to see the movie tonight. I REALLY enjoyed the movie! I think they did a wonderful job including as much as they possibly could of a pretty long book. It was already over 2.5 hours, so I knew some stuff would be cut, but I think they really kep the integrity of the book and that readers and non-readers of the book will both enjoy & understand the point of the story. Definitely a must see!
Liz
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I went with my best friend, one of my sisters and a couple of her friends and we all loved it!! We all read the book, and I felt they followed very close with the book. Of course there was a lot left out, but I think they put in everything that was important to make the story work. The actresses were all fabulous!! It honestly did not feel like 2 1/2 hours to me at all:) I would definitely recommend it, and also highly recommend the book too!
I also have a book suggestion for you. I read Water For Elephants years ago and loved it, and I know you read it not long ago. The author – Sara Gruen – has a book called Ape House, and it is soooo good! I just finished it the other day, and loved it from start to finish! I also read The Glass Castle, and I’m glad it is getting better for you. The book was really good, and the follow up book is great too! As you can see, I love to read:) Can’t wait to hear your thoughts when you finish!
Sally
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peanutbutterfingers Reply:
August 11th, 2011 at 8:46 am
i finished the glass castle last night and actually really ended up enjoying it. once the family got out of the desert, it really picked up for me!
peanutbutterfingers
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Sally Reply:
August 11th, 2011 at 7:54 pm
I found it started slow too, but I’m glad you enjoyed it. The next book is about her grandmother, and was also very interesting! It’s called Half Broke Horses. That family certainly experienced a different way of life!
Sally
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I’m so glad the movie was good! I too loved the book but am usually dissapointed with the films! I hate the prejudice that occurred then but I hate that it STILL occurs even more. You would think in today’s world we would have learned tolerance and respect but many are still very closed minded.
Ps I’m very impressed with your hotel room meals! With few resources they seem to turn out great!
Ps
CJ @ http://healthy-happy-whole.com/
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That’s so good to hear that Ryan enjoyed the movie! I was debating seeing it and will have to let my boyfriend know that another guy enjoyed it. Although, my boyfriend thought The Notebook was a really good story line. I think he just enjoyed looking at Rachel McAdams.
Katie
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Very excited to read this book and eventually see the movie. For once, I would like to have a book read before the movie comes out. I do know that will happen for the Hunger Games though!!!
Cait @ Beyond Bananas
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I can not wait to see the movie! Thanks for your feedback on it!
katie
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My favourite quote from the movie:
“Love and hate are two horns on the same goat – and you need a goat!”
Hahahaha
Sherri
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I’m really glad to hear that Ryan liked it, because I’ve been contemplating trying to convince my fiance to go see the movie with me! I’ve been meaning to read the book for a while now, but after your review of the movie, I can’t decide if I’d rather read the book before or after the movie…
Amanda @ Running On Waffles
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Gravy meatballs???? Eeeewww
I really, really want to see The Help!!!
Gen
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I absolutely LOVED The Help! It was so heart-warming. I actually found myself cheering for some of the characters as I read along! Now I can’t wait to see the movie! Woo hoo!
Parita @ myinnershakti
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I still want to see the movie! it looks so cute
Lauren @ What Lauren Likes
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I too have read the book, and yesterday I took my mom to see the movie version of “The Help.” We both loved it! I loved the casting of Minny the most. I am so glad that the movie was well done and didn’t leave me wanting more, as some movie versions tend to do.
Amanda @FancyOatmeal
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peanutbutterfingers Reply:
August 11th, 2011 at 8:48 am
minny was my favorite, too!!
peanutbutterfingers
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I hate Hilly in the book, too but I love Bryce Dallas Howard (I wish I could steal her hair
I wonder if she is going to start playing some “nice” roles?
Alysha @ShesOnTheRun
Alysha @ She’s on the Run
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Yea – so glad to hear it was a good movie…can’t wait to see it – it’s not out yet here in Trinidad….hopefully we get it soon! xoxo
Corey @ Learning Patience
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Ah thanks for the review!! I’m gonna drag my guy to go see it tonight, so I’m glad Ryan approved!
Kate Harts
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My mom and I are going to see the movie later tonight. I can’t wait, we both loved the book!
Ali @ Ali Runs
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I was never a meatballs and gravy person. I like my meatballs with marinara sauce and spaghetti! I feel like the books are always better than the movies. Sometimes I get disappointed when I see a really good book getting made into a movie because I know they won’t be able to capture all the details and nuances that are written. I still want to see The Help though!
Jessica @ Sushi and Sit-Ups
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Can’t wait to see the movie, I loved the book alot even though I thought i wouldn’t because I get so angry thinking of that time in our history!
briana
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You didn’t have swirly sidewalks in Orlando? That’s funny…we have them all over here in Austin. Especially in my neighborhood. Makes you kinda wonder why they aren’t just straight but I like it!
Along the same lines I just finished re-reading To Kill A Mockingbird (best book of all time) and it makes me think the same way. What always gets me though in that book is that it is written from a child’s perspective. I have The Help on my to read list.
Kelly
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I’m seeing this this afternoon- can’t wait!!
Gabriela @ Une Vie Saine
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Do you always get popcorn when you go to the movies?! My mom alllllllllllllllllways has to get it when she goes, even if she just ate lunch, dinner, etc. and I think it’s so funny! I can kinda go without though, just cause it’s not really my favorite. so much more of a sweets person! pass the M&Ms!
Emily
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that seems like a lot of excess cement just to make swirly sidewalks! And, the thought of meatballs in gravy makes me cringe..gross!
Gina @ Running to the Kitchen
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I haven’t read the book yet but I really do want to see the movie. Thanks for posting a review of the movie!
I can’t wait to see it!
Hope
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It doesn’t come out until tomorrow here where I live in Missouri!
I am so excited to go see it. I loved the book.
Laura Fredlund
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I need to see the movie this weekend! I absolutely loved the book, and I know I’ll be critical too, but I still can’t wait to see it.
Hillary
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Julie – Thank you for your review of the movie! It always happens where the movies cannot do the book justice! However, I’m glad that this movie was still great (and that Ryan liked it, too)! Interesting little tidbit about The Help: the author, Kathryn Stockett, asked her childhood friend, Tate Taylor, to write the screenplay. Prior to The Help, he didn’t have a single box office smash hit. Too, 60 agents (60!) rejected The Help before it was actually published! 60! I bet those agents are cursing themselves now! Here’s a link to a Wall Street Journal blog article about it: http://blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy/2011/08/10/author-kathryn-stockett-on-the-real-story-behind-the-help/?mod=google_news_blog.
Chrissy
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After you raved about it, I started reading The Help. I can’t put it down! I seriously wanted to take a “mental health day” from work and finish it ha! Great suggestion! While I’m looking forward to the movie, I find the book is almost always better. Usually because I have a picture in my head while I’m reading – what the characters will look and sound like – and if movie doesn’t match, it throws me off!
Cassie
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Hi Julie,
I’ve noticed that the hotel you are staying at doesn’t necessarily serve the healthiest of foods. But you seem to embrace it in such a healthy manner and you don’t seem consumed by sometimes having to eat less healthy things than you yourself would make. I was wondering if you might do a post or address how you’re handling not having a kitchen and not being able to make the types of foods you typically enjoy. I really admire your balanced attitude to this transitional time in your life.
caroline
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Lasagna has to be one of the best leftovers! It always tastes great even when it’s been frozen. Yum!
I’m dying to see The Help. I haven’t even read the book, but I plan to download it on my Kindle and try to get through it this weekend and then see the movie next week. I can’t wait!
My Blonde Moments
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ah I still need to read the book!!!
Ruthie Hart
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I will always think a book will ALWAYS be better than the movie, hands down. But I’m glad that the Help turned out to be a good movie!! I can’t wait to go see it. I think it’s hard for directors to fully capture books and the feelings that readers get because it’s just a movie. I think books are always better because we can connect with it and play out our own movie in our heads.
Brittany @ A Spoonful of Peanut Butter
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I’m really looking forward to seeing it! I’m glad you liked it because I enjoyed the book and was worried about what the movie would be like.
Meridith
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I’m glad you liked the movie, I can’t wait to go see it! And I agree, if I love the book I’m often over-critical of the movie… haha especially Harry Potter movies
Katie @ Peace Love and Oats
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I’m reading the help right now, and another book too…got one free in the mail so I’m in both of them! I would love to see the movie too though! Now I have some ammo to use to get my hubby to go with me
.
Roz @ Fit Blogging for Fun, Family & Profit
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So glad you liked the movie! I am going to see it tonight. I cannot wait, since it is also one of my favorite books.
Erin @ The Grass Skirt
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I’m going to see “The Help” later this afternoon with some girlfriends! I started reading the book a few weeks ago but unfortunately only made a small dent- I hoped to finish it before seeing the movie but I can’t hold back my anticipation much longer
Allison F
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Hey Julie,
My mom loved this book and said that she felt it was very serious. She was concerned when she saw the trailer because she thought that it kind of seemed comical at some points, which the book definitely wasn’t. I was wondering what you thought about that since you’ve seen the movie.
Thanks!
-Allison
Allison (Allison’s Delicious Life)
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Hey Julie,
I was reading your post about “the help” and how the concept of segregation is foreign to you. It made me wonder, do you have any non-work related black friends of your own?
Jose`
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From the previews it looks like the movie was a lot more light hearted than the book and I thought perhaps they left out the important parts of the book. Was that true?
Jessica @ Bay Bay Bites
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I finished the book the day before I saw the movie, so ALL the details were still fresh in my head. I have to say that I give it one thumb up and one thumb down, it was good, but having just finished the book, I felt some parts were really lacking (the ending, the break-up, their take on Minny leaving her husband-that really grated me). I found that book to be shocking, reminding me of how people treated my father when he came to Kansas for a soccer scholarship from Nigeria thirty years ago, but the movie seemed to have more modern touches of racism (stuff I have encountered!). Plus, I felt there were some “white person to the rescue” moments, like the Minny scene with Mr. and Mrs. La Foote. Then again, I am a book lover, and definitely overly critical of movies based on books. I’ll own that
Audrey
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