The Help

To accurately sum up the movie "The Help" is quite a feat, one that I would normally reserve for those folks over at the TV guide offices, but if I were to write something pithy about it, it would go like this:
"Young white woman FIGHTS THE POWER by writing about the lives/mistreatment of black maids in 60s Mississippi and turning it into a book, while two of her subjects FIGHT THE POWER by helping her and forming close bonds with each other while they FIGHT THE POWER against their own oppressors and lift up those whom they care for...FIGHT THE POWER!"
To be a little more specific, I went into this film feeling like this would be the sort of film that would try to squeeze some emotion out of me by forcing me to feel for the characters and their plights.  And surprisingly, it did just that and I was ok with feeling for them.  If anything, it really showed the resolve and strength of the three main characters while they had to put up with so much.  From Emma Stone's character, a young ambitious woman who wanted to make a name for herself, yet had the misfortune of being nicknamed "Skeeter" (no not that one), she had to put up with all her friends being obsessed with having children and dates and bridge club and all the petty things women thought of back then. Not only from her friends, but from her mother as well, but in that woman's defense, she got better as time went on and not only approved of her daughter's actions later, but defended her from critics and her crazy friends alike.  But I'd say the most growth and spunk goes to the character of Minnie the maid, who really stuck it to her nasty boss and was able to find a good, if not a little ditzy, new boss with whom they have mutual respect for.
Another great aspect of the film is the antagonist.  One could only describe her as the most nefarious sort of villain because she honestly believes that all she is doing is for the best, which makes her come across as nastier than advertised.  So when her comeuppance comes, the audience is all the more satisfied at the justice served. (and the subsequent mental breakdowns are fun to watch too)
All in all, it IS a movie that makes you feel for the characters in an era which discrimination is at its height, but it does so in a way that is not over-preachy and not completely blatant (lookingatyouHairspray).  Thus, it is a good film and is well worth your time.