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.

New Chemical Brothers

I find it hard to believe that the Chemical Brothers have yet to score a film.  Seems like such a no brainer to me.  And,the perfect first film has to be the dark futuristic fairy tale Hanna by the director of Atonement, and starring Cate Blanchett, Eric Bana and Saoirse Ronan (who was also the star of Atonement).

I've heard a couple of songs from the soundtrack, which was released exclusively on iTunes and it definitely made me want to see the movie, if even just to hear the music.  "Hanna's Theme (vocal version)" is haunting and ethereal in a way the reminds me of This Mortal Coil.  You can just feel the landscape of the song and the dangerous journey to be had.  I want more!  The newest track is "Escape 700" and (without having seen the movie) seems to be the perfect complement to one of the movie's locations, Morocco. 

If Hanna is anything like these two songs, it's going to be a wild adventure that will keep you at the edge of your seat.  Guess we'll find out when the it comes out next week, April 8th through Focus Features.

  escape 700 by Hannamovie