Raising Helen is a beautiful film which takes care of a very sensitive topic in our society of raising someone's children whom you have known very well. It is one of those films. It tells the story of a free spirited woman (Helen) who works hard and enjoys her life to the full. But due to the calamitous death of her sister and brother-in-law she gets chosen to be the legal guardian of their children instead of her other sister who is unlike her. The story goes on by how Helen copes with the situation to try to become a successful working single mom.
Kate Hudson as Helen gives an outstanding performance. I never did like her that much, always thought she was overrated nonetheless this acting has made me a fan of her and I am looking forward to her next appearance in Wish I Was Here (2014).
Coming to the child stars, Abigail Breslin as Sarah does the best among the others. It is good to see her getting transformed into a teen star from a child one. Hayden Panettiere as Audrey accomplished her task well in this movie but is not great and Spencer Breslin as Henry is a notch down from both of them as he couldn't get some expressions right in my point of view.
Joan Cusack as Jenny the other sister does well as a supporting actor which is certainly expected from her. John Corbett as Pastor accomplishes at providing the humorous moments needed in the film and Helen Mirren has a minor role, however a good one.
Largely the film felt a little rushed to me although it already stands at 119 minutes, I think other characters should have been developed more and added emotional touch could also be given to it. Nevertheless, it's a decent popcorn flick that can be viewed with your family on a weekend.
Overall it's a 7/10 from my side.
Kate Hudson as Helen gives an outstanding performance. I never did like her that much, always thought she was overrated nonetheless this acting has made me a fan of her and I am looking forward to her next appearance in Wish I Was Here (2014).
Coming to the child stars, Abigail Breslin as Sarah does the best among the others. It is good to see her getting transformed into a teen star from a child one. Hayden Panettiere as Audrey accomplished her task well in this movie but is not great and Spencer Breslin as Henry is a notch down from both of them as he couldn't get some expressions right in my point of view.
Joan Cusack as Jenny the other sister does well as a supporting actor which is certainly expected from her. John Corbett as Pastor accomplishes at providing the humorous moments needed in the film and Helen Mirren has a minor role, however a good one.
Largely the film felt a little rushed to me although it already stands at 119 minutes, I think other characters should have been developed more and added emotional touch could also be given to it. Nevertheless, it's a decent popcorn flick that can be viewed with your family on a weekend.
Overall it's a 7/10 from my side.