This film is due on general release in the UK shortly but I thought I'd write about it as I had a sneak preview.
This PG film directed by Garry Marshall stars Kate Hudson as Helen Harris, a woman who "inherits" guardianship of her nieces and nephew when her sister and brother-in-law die in an accident. Joan Cusack and John Corbett co-star. The children are played rather well by Hayden Panettiere (Audrey), Spencer Breslin (Henry) and Abigail Breslin (Sarah).
Helen's glamourous New York modelling world is turned upside down as she tries to be a parent. Her sister Jenny already has children and can't resist interfering. Gradually the two women come to an understanding, as they also come to terms with the loss of their other sister. Jenny doesn't work and she's rather self-righteous but she's actually quite jealous of her sister.
The film is strange in that it can't decide what it wants to be - is it comedy or drama? It feels like a lame US sit-com, with the cloying sickness we expect in those types of programmes. The mix doesn't settle easily and at times, the plot is very confusing as is the title. It's not until towards the end that it emerges that Helen was brought up by her older sister. I thought the title referred to Helen being brought up, rather than her bringing up some children.
The suggestions about women, men and parenthood are rather annoying and distract from some of the film's charm. Most of the women in the film either have children or a job but not both. In Helen's case, her career continues but has to be compromised. Another woman actually brings her daughter to work, implying that women can't be professional! Dominique, played by Helen Mirren is seen as being quite nasty just because she has a successful career and the fact that she's child-free is something held up as not being right. As for the men, with the exception of Pastor Dan - Helen's love interest - they seem to have no part in anything domestic. Hopefully, this film is pure escapism and nobody's life is like that.
Part of the problem with this film is the director. The same man directed "Pretty Woman" and that film also has a sanitised, glamourised view of the world, especially regarding prostitution. I would imagine that people who do live in New York who watch "Raising Helen" would hardly recognise what is meant to be representation of them and their world. As for dealing with grief, that's more or less glossed over.
"Raising Helen" might raise a smile or two but don't expect a particularly demanding film. Hudson is quite good as Helen but it's very hard not to compare her with her mother Goldie Hawn, however unfair that is. There are some chuckles to be had - especially regarding a dead turtle - but a lot of the physical comedy doesn't work. One scene where a model gets covered in permanent marker prior to a photo-shoot made me smile but I didn't laugh out loud.
The soundtrack to this film has a significant part to play with regards to the plot but for me, I didn't recognise some of the songs and they meant very little.
The film is almost 2 hours long and while it's fun in places, I can think of better ways to spend my money. I would recommend giving this a look but wait until it's out to hire on video. It is not worth the price of an Odeon cinema ticket!
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The hit-making director of Runaway Bride and Pretty Woman (Garry Marshall) now brings you ... more
another hilarious all-star comedy! Sexy Kate Hudson (Almost Famous) is Helen Harris a glamorous big-city fashion executive whose life of late nights and bright ...
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The hit-making director of Runaway Bride and Pretty Woman (Garry Marshall) now brings you ... more
another hilarious all-star comedy. Sexy Kate Hudson (Almost Famous) is Helen Harris, a glamorous big-city fashion executive whose life of late nights and bright l...
![Raising Helen [DVD] [2004]](http://picnica.ciao.com/uk/78495908.jpg "Raising Helen [DVD] [2004]")
Aug 20th, 2004
very helpful by (100%):
