SNMR 5.13: "Raising Helen"

Tonight's SNMR feature is "Raising Helen" (2004, PG-13, 115 minutes), staring Kate Hudson, John Corbett, Helen Mirren, Joan Cusack, Hayden Panettiere, Spencer Breslin and Abigail Breslin. The film was directed by Garry Marshall.

PLOT SUMMARY: What happens when you are young, single and carefree when parenthood is suddenly thrust upon you because of a family tragedy? That's what we find out when Helen (Kate Hudson) is chosen to raise her older sister's three children after she and her husband die in an automobile accident?

MY OPINION: In the hands of a less experienced director this film could have turned out to be a major disaster. Director Garry Marshall understands how these type of films work and knows how to get the most out of the cast even if the script is not top notch. I thought the premise of the story was interesting but the script could have been a little tighter. Hudson and Corbett give fine performances and Joan Cusack is excellent. It was refreshing to see the clergy portrayed as a protestant (Lutheran) minister instead of a Catholic priest, which is what you see in most films.

All in all this is a decent film. I've seen better movies and I've seen worse ones, too.

*** out of *****