Let me start by saying that I have never read Kathryn Stockett’s New York Times bestselling novel, “The Help.” So when I was invited to screen the new highly anticipated movie based on her book, I had no idea what to expect. 

“The Help” is a civil rights based story told from the perspective of the black maids of Southern Mississippi. The maids were caregivers to the more-fortunate white children. 

Our adorably smart heroine, played by Emma Stone, is disturbed by the treatment of the maids- who aren’t even allowed to use the same bathroom as their white bosses. She strikes up a Jim Crow-defying friendship with a mistreated maid, Aibileen (Viola Davis). The pair, along with Aibileen’s sassy friend Minny (Octavia Spencer) tell the story of “The Help” through the maids’ eyes.

When I wasn’t crying (just wait ’til the last scene- you’ll lose it too), I was laughing. I love when Bryce Dallas Howard’s mean-and-nasty character’s front lawn gets ‘mistakenly’ covered with commodes… 

A word to the wise, don’t bring young children. Not only is the content a bit mature, but the running time is well over two hours. Even I was getting a bit antsy towards the end.

“The Help” was inspirational, funny and enjoyable. Despite never having read the book- or maybe because of that fact- I truly enjoyed this heartfelt story. 

And so my advice to you is: Go see it- You’ll love it!