While the Harry Potter films may have come to a close this summer, the reading experience of J.K. Rowling’s series about the extraordinary world of Witchcraft and Wizardry remains open and continuously expanding!
Pottermore, a magical online community conceptualized by Rowling, serves as a supplementary resource to the seven novels. The website offers an enhanced look into the stories through a variety of additional content and interactive features.
Based on the bestselling novel by Kathryn Stockett, The Help follows the lives of a group of Jackson, Mississippi women during the 1960s and reveals the often-concealed reality of racial discrimination in America.
The film adaptation stars Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer as Aibileen Clark and Milly Jackson, two black maids who divulge their experiences of working in white households to Skeeter Phelan (Emma Stone), an aspiring writer who plans to compile their stories into an engaging exposé. The three women come into constant conflict with their high society employers, led by the icy and ignorant Hilly Holbrook (Bryce Dallas Howard).
Through the help’s tales of turmoil, tragedy and injustice, shocking and shameful examples of racial bigotry are unfolded. The fact that strong prejudice perspectives against African-American citizens ran rampant only less than fifty years ago is difficult to grasp, but The Help reminds viewers that such close-minded opinions still exist in present-day society.
However, hope is offered through The Help’s memorable and compelling characters: in the resilience of Aibileen, in the courage of Milly, in the ambition of Skeeter and in the tolerance of blonde bombshell and society outcast, Celia Foote (Jessica Chastain).
With great humour and tremendous heart, The Help delivers an important message about realizing one’s potential and using one’s voice – a powerful tool that can make a positive difference in society.
“You is kind. You is smart. You is important.”
I invite you all to check out a collaborative blog project called “For Your Consideration: 10 Films, 1 Best Picture…“, in which a team of avid cinemaphiles discuss the ten films vying for Best Picture at the 2011 Academy Awards. A case is drawn for each candidate over why it should be rewarded the prestigious title.
My vote goes to The King’s Speech, the British historical drama about the struggles of King George VI, starring Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush, and Helena Bonham-Carter.
The King’s Speech has been dealt a royal flush of accolades throughout the 2011 awards season, leading this year’s Academy Awards nomination tally with recognition in twelve categories. Directed by Tom Hooper and written by David Seidler, this British historical drama tells the story of King George VI’s struggles with a speech impediment. The film focuses on his relationship with Australian speech therapist Lionel Logue, who assists him in overcoming his stutter and restoring his confidence, urging him to become the leader Great Britain needs on the brink of World War II.
What sets The King’s Speech apart from your typical period piece and makes it a standout candidate in this year’s pool of remarkable Best Picture nominees are its brilliant acting performances, its compelling story and the inspired way in which the film combines history with humanity in an engrossing and relatable manner.
Kicking off this year’s awards season on Sunday night was the 68th annual Golden Globes, hosted once again by the blunt and quick-witted British comedian Ricky Gervais.
Continue reading “Highlights from the 2011 Golden Globes: Everything’s Coming Up Chris Colfer!”
On January 8th, Procter & Gamble and Walmart premiered their most recent Family Movie Night feature presentation, “Change of Plans”, a film about how life’s unpredictable re-directions can turn out to be our greatest rewards.
Continue reading “Brooke White’s Sensational Acting Debut in “Change of Plans””
Elizabeth Rosalyn 