Movie: Raising Helen

Actors: Kate Hudson, Joan Cusack, Hayden Panettiere, John Corbett, Spencer Breslin, Abigail Breslin
Director: Gary Marshall, Producer:

From the director of 'Pretty Woman', 'Princess Diaries' and '10 Things I Hate About U' comes Raising Helen. Though not as exquisite as director Gary Marshall`s earlier ventures, this flick arguably presents a commendable effort.

Helen Harris (Kate Hudson) works at the Dominique Modelling Agency in Manhattan, with a successful career in fashion industry well in sight. She is a party girl, likes to have fun and be in the spotlight and is a bit too carefree for her family`s liking -- her family that involves her pregnant sister and mother of two Jenny (Joan Cusack) and her husband; and another elder sister and the mother of three, Lindsay and her husband.

During a lunch one day, she receives a call from Jenny. Apparently Lindsay and her husband have died in a car accident. Their three kids teenager Audrey (Hayden Panettiere), 10-year-old Kenny (Spencer Breslin) and kindergartener Sarah (Abigail Breslin) are expected to be handed over to Jenny for guardianship -- Jenny is the obvious choice because of her `mom` attitude that apparently prevails throughout the movie. Lindsay`s will, however, shocks all as she selects Helen for the job. Reluctant at first, Helen takes the challenge and as she fights to handle a teenage-girl-stepping-into-adulthood behaviour of Audrey, a pessimist Kenny and the little Sarah who cries when she can`t tie her shoe-laces, she struggles to keep up with her porfessional and social life.

The four move to Queens where they have a very `helping` neighbourer in the form of Nilma Prasad (Sakina Jaffrey). Meanwhile Helen starts getting interested in the kids` new school principal, Pastor Dan Parker (John Corbett). The movie is really sweet, with cute scenes, light humour and warm dialogues and acting.

Kate Hudson does well and suffices her role effectively. The soundtrack of the movie includes some catchy tunes as well. This movie is certainly not a mindblower nor is it expected to linger in your mind forever. However, it does reflect the warmer side of life and is a relieving break from the fantasy action thrillers being churned up currently. For some, it might turn out to be a great movie. Watching it, by no means, would be a waste of time!!