New Movie: The Help

I am over-the-moon excited for The Help to be released on August 10th.  I read the book last summer, and could.not.put.it.down.  Even though I am already a huge fan of Southern Literature, it was just such a great and visual story that I can't wait to see it come alive on the big screen.  One of the things I loved about the book is that I can always appreciate a good "comeuppance" story about "bad" folks getting theirs.  I'm not sure if it's because I'm from the South and my faith is restored through those kinds of stories, or if it's just bleeding heart liberal fantasy fiction.

I also a little intrigued by the story behind the making of this movie, which is also kind of a fairy tale.  The author Kathryn Stockett optioned the book to her childhood friend Tate Taylor, who had some bit parts as an actor and was still trying to make it in Hollywood, before the book was released.  He adapted the screenplay and directed the film.  WOW!  They cast another longtime friend, actress Octavia Spencer, who also served as inspiration for one of the characters in the book.  And, she and Taylor fought for the film to be shot in her home state of Mississippi, which will bring that much more authenticity to the film. 

The soundtrack is definitely something to look forward to:  Mary J. Blige, Ray Charles, Chubby Checker, Bo Diddley, Mavis Staples, and, naturally, "Jackson" by Johnny Cash and June Carter.