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A Reel Life film section

Issue: 2004


Raising Helen movie review

Who Wants it All?

Helen is a smart young career woman, a personality on the club scene, a broker of models. She is single and happy to be the 'fun' aunt -- the one you can share your false I.D. with.

But Helen's life is about to be changed forever when one of her sisters dies and leaves the children to Helen's care. The decision shocks Helen and Jenny, the responsible, pot pourri-making sister, both of whom are left with the loss of their sister and the task of keeping the late Lindsay's family together.

Helen rapidly learns the cost of child-rearing. Her apartment is too small, her job is too demanding, and her role modelling leaves a lot to be desired. Enter real life.

Movie Poster, Raising Helen; Festivale film review

Movie Poster, Raising Helen; Festivale film review

Helen help us.

Just like J.C. in Baby Boom, Helen discovers that high-flying U.S. business life doesn't work with a family. And just like J.C. she discovers life and love with 'real' men, and a job that sustains them emotionally and financially.

Director Garry Marshall brings together a strong cast although the story is somewhat forced and the film-makers probably laughed in places where this reviewer merely cringed. A "B" movie from an A-list director.

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by Ali Kayn
Due for Australian release 3 June 2004
For credits and official site details, see below
Search Festivale for more work by the film-makers below.

See also: Baby Boom ; No Reservations ;
Kate Hudson also appears in Almost Famous, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days , My Best Friend's Girl

Just the facts:

Title: Raising Helen (2004)
Written by: Patrick J. Clifton (story) & Beth Rigazio (story) & Jack Amiel (screenplay) & Michael Begler (screenplay)
Directed by: Garry Marshall
running time: 119 mins


The Players: Kate Hudson, John Corbett, Joan Cusack, Abigail Breslin, Helen Mirren, Felicity Huffman


Official website:
IMDb entry


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