Great Film: Raising Helen
Bridge and tunnel
New Yorkers that happen not to live in the island of Manhattan are seen
as "Bridge and tunnel", a derisive term used by residents of the island
to indicate their superiority to their less sophisticated, or perhaps
less affluent neighbors. Never mind that most Manhattanites are
transplants from other places themselves!
Imagine Helen Harris' reaction when she is given custody of her three
nephews and has to give up her Village apartment because it's too small
and has to relocate to Astoria! Garry Marshall, a director with a lot
of films under him, is at the helm of this comedy that follows the
adventures of a woman trying to cope with what destiny had in store for
her, even though she never set out to be in the position she has to
face. The screen play is by Jack Amiel and Michael Begler, two men that
has dealt in cuteness in previous works.
Helen, who works for a modeling agency in Manhattan, finds herself in a
predicament when her sister Lindsay and her husband die tragically. She
has been picked to raise two girls and a boy and she is ill prepared to
deal with the situation. Instead of naming the more domestic sister,
Jenny, as the guardian, Lindsay knew something that the other two
siblings didn't know in trusting her three children to Helen.
"Raising Helen" deals with the trials and tribulations of Helen as she
comes to terms with her new situation. She must give up her fabulous
job, with all its perks, and seek employment in a "previously owned"
car lot where she is able to prove her worth. At the same time, she has
to deal with her new family in ways she didn't expect. She also finds a
good man in the Lutheran pastor who falls in love with her from the
moment she enrolls the kids in his school.
Kate Hudson is a beautiful woman with an angelic face that keeps the
viewer recalling her mother, Goldie Hawn. She is as good a comedienne,
as her mother was in her prime. The best thing in the film, or in any
other film where she is cast, is Joan Cusack. She steals the film with
her Jenny, a well meaning person who feels bypassed for a role she was
meant to play all along. Ms. Cusack is a treasure in this movie. John
Corbett, is the hunky Lutheran pastor who falls in love with Helen.
Helen Mirren and Felicity Huffman has small roles as Helen's boss
Dominique and her sister Lindsay.
"Raising Helen" while predictable was targeted for a certain viewer who
loves this type of comedy. Under the sure hand of Garry Marshall it
makes for a pleasant time at the movies.
Cast
- Audrey Davis played by Hayden Panettiere
- Jenny Portman played by Joan Cusack
- Martina played by Amber Valletta
- Dominique played by Helen Mirren
- Ed Portman played by Kevin Kilner
- Helen Harris played by Kate Hudson
- Pastor Dan Parker played by John Corbett
