Thanks, for The Help

I want to send out a special “thank you” to DL Winfrey of Pretty Girls Rock Dresses and all the ladies that met this past weekend at Atlantic Station cinemas in downtown ATL for the viewing of The Help. Pretty Girls Rock Dresses is an empowering movement for woman to dress like ladies, and embrace their femininity. So in the spirit of this lost tradition, we got all dolled up for a fun day at the movies.

And, speaking of The Help movie; I’d rate this one up there with The Color Purple. Yep, you heard me right! It was definitely a great film that will make a strong appearance at the Oscars® next February 27. This powerful and compelling film will make you laugh, cry, and even possibly throw your popcorn at the screen during certain poignant moments. 😮

I don’t want to give away the storyline, but let’s just say that the film speaks to all types of women from various walks of life and social classes. Here’s a brief synopsis of the movie from the official movie website:

Based on one of the most talked about books in years and a #1 New York Times best-selling phenomenon,  “The Help” stars Emma Stone (“Easy A”) as Skeeter, Academy Award®–nominated Viola Davis (“Doubt”) as Aibileen and Octavia Spencer as Minny—three very different, extraordinary women in Mississippi during the 1960s,  who build an unlikely friendship around a secret writing project that breaks societal rules and puts them all at risk. From their improbable alliance a remarkable sisterhood emerges, instilling all of them with the courage to transcend the lines that define them, and the realization that sometimes those lines are made to be crossed —even if it means bringing everyone in town face-to-face with the changing times.

Deeply moving, filled with poignancy, humor and hope, “The Help” is a timeless and universal story about the ability to create change.

The cast featured a well rounded group of actresses which included veterans like Cicely Tyson (Constance Jefferson), Sissy Spacek (Missus Walters), and Viola Davis (Aibileen). These fab ladies all showed why they are deserving of their past Oscar® and Emmy® nominations. I’m gonna put my bid in now and say that Viola Davis will get the nod for Best Actress at the Oscars®. There. I said it. 😉 The film also featured up and comers Jessica Chastain (Celia), Bryce Dallas Howard (Hilly), Octavia Spencer (Minny), Emma Stone (Skeeter), Allison Janney (Charlotte), and Mary Steenburgen (Elaine Stein) who also did a wonderful job!

Oh, Ms. Mary (bka Mary J Blige), penned an original song called “The Living Proof” for the movie’s soundtrack. See what Mary had to say about the song here.

See Entertainment Tonight’s interview with the movies leading ladies Viola Davis (Aibileen) and Emma Stone (Skeeter).

This movie was so inspirational that the Home Shopping Network (HSN) is featuring one-of-a-kind items created in the spirit of the movie. Check it out here.

The movie was adapted from the novel of the same name, written by Kathryn Stockett. While watching the movie, I couldn’t help but reflect back on fond childhood memories of my grandma who worked as a maid for many many years. She would take me along with her sometimes while she cleaned homes. And even though she was working, I really enjoyed those times with her as she would make it so much fun. 😀

Now, I know you’ll probably think I’m pulling your leg when I tell you the nickname we called my grandma by. Give up? We affectionately and respectfully referred to her as Madea. Yep, it’s true! Now there are MANY differences between Tyler Perry’s version of “Madea” and my grandma Madea (of course). One obvious difference was that MY grandma never toted fully loaded firearms in her bra. 😀

Ladies please go see this move! I promise you’ll “thank me” later! 😛