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| Dvdivas
was founded by John Gabbard in 2000. It's purpose has been and
remains to be to provide you, the entertainment community with
the latest dvds and movie reviews. It will continue to be your
link to the most popular dvd movies. |
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“Raising
Helen”
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Reviewed
by: |
Wayne A. Klein |
| Genre: |
Comedy |
| Video: |
Available
in both 1.85:1 Widescreen and 1.33:1 Full screen |
| Audio: |
Dolby Digital
Surround 5.1 |
| Languages |
English,
French |
| Subtitles |
French, Spanish
|
| Length |
120 minutes
|
| Rating |
PG-13 |
| Release Date |
10/12/04
|
| Studio |
Buena Vista
Home Video |
| Commentary:
|
Garry Marshall,
Jack Amiel & Michael Begler |
| Documentaries:
|
None |
| Featurettes:
|
None |
| Filmography/Biography:
|
None |
|
Interviews: |
None |
| Trailers/TV
Spots: |
None |
| Alternate/Deleted
Scenes: |
Deleted scenes
|
| Music
Video: |
Liz Phair music video |
| Other:
|
Bloopers
|
| Cast
and Crew: |
Kate Hudson,
John Corbett, Joan Cusack, Hayden Panettiere, Spencer Breslin,
Felicity Huffman, Abigail Breslin, Helen Mirren |
| Written
By: |
Jack Amiel
and Michael Begler |
| Produced
By: |
David Hoberman
|
| Directed
By: |
Garry Marshall
|
| Music:
|
John Debney
|
| The
Review: |
Garry Marshall directs film comedies
with such an elegant smoothness that you’ll forgive him if
they occasionally come off as clichéd and hackneyed. “Raising
Helen” manages to overcome some of these issues. While that
smoothness may work in TV sitcoms it doesn’t translate as
well to movies but with such a solid cast and a good screenplay,
Marshall can’t miss. ***
Helen (Kate Hudson) grows up from
her life of parties and the fashion industry that consumes
her every waking hour when she suddenly becomes the parent
for three children. Helen’s sister dies suddenly and Helen
takes on the one job she was never prepared for—motherhood.
As guardian to her nieces and nephew, Helen finds support
from a local pastor (John Corbett) who is smitten with her.
---
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| Image
and Sound: |
“Raising
Helen” looks exceptional on DVD with nicely reproduced colors,
solid blacks and few to no digital or analog blemishes in sight.
The sound, likewise, is reproduced exceptionally well with dialogue
clear and the sound nicely detailed. --- |
| The
Extras: |
The standard
deleted scenes and bloopers are included as extras although,
curiously, the “Making of” documentary shown on cable isn’t
included here. ---
|
| Commentary:
|
Garry Marshall
and the writers (both of whom are vets of “Malcolm in the Middle”
and “Herman’s Head”) provide some funny comments about the making
of the movie. Additionally, the writers comment on various scenes
and story ideas that were abandoned along the way to production.
--- |
| Final
Words: |
Like Marshall’s
unusual recasting of “Cinderella” as “Pretty Woman”, ”Raising
Helen” plays with the conventions of family. Unfortunately,
the formulaic script makes the film a bit less than it could
be. Although the witty dialogue makes the film memorable and
worthwhile, “Raising Helen” could have been so much more. Marshall’s
slick and smooth direction style works surprisingly well with
the material at hand and he gets strong performances from everyone
(although a small appearance by Paris Hilton does prove that
she has no acting ability whatsoever. So much for the importance
of money and genes). |
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