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	Movie Review - Raising Helen     (What this rating means)       Director: Garry Marshall Starring: Kate Hudson, John Corbett, and Joan Cusack Rated: PG-13 (for thematic issues involving teens) Length: 119 minutes Genre: Romantic Dramady/Chick Flick Website: Raising Helen PLOT Life is good for Helen (Hudson). She's got a great job with one of New York's top modeling agencies, and she has plenty of free time to party at night. Her life is turned upside down, however, when her sister and brother-in-law die in a car crash and leave their three kids to her. An absolutely charming Kate Hudson and attempts at jerking a few tears from your eyes ensue. JOHNNY'S TAKE There's a scene early in the movie where Kate convinces a guy to let her friend into a club even though her friend isn't on the "list." Kate leans over, puts her head on the dude's chest, writes the girl's name, and comments, "Now she's on the list." Worked like a charm. Come on, how many guys can resist that? What? Oh, I mean besides any of the male designers on "Trading Spaces." Kate pretty much does the same thing with this movie. She smiled, blinked her eyes at me, giggled a little, put her head on my chest, and convinced me to keep watching. This isn't a great movie, but Kate's smile and personality are enough to keep it from being a chore to watch. However, if you were to replace Kate with someone like Kirsten Dunst, then I would've been out of the theater in about 15 minutes. The story isn't really original, and to no one's surprise it's pretty predictable as well. Carefree gal is loving life. Tragedy intervenes and forces her to change her lifestyle. Someone (older sister, Joan Cusack) is there to provide conflict. Carefree gal decides she truly CAN handle her new life. Tears are shed, hands are held, hugs are in groups, and "Kumbaya" is figuratively sung. Roll credits. If you're expecting loads of laugh, then you're likely to be disappointed. This movie focuses more on the dramatic, especially near the end where things just start to get way too sappy for any guy not named Richard Simmons. But there are some cute and funny moments sprinkled throughout, most as a direct result of Kate's charm. However, John Corbett (who plays a Lutheran pastor) has a great line when he tells Kate, "I'm a sexy man of God, and I know it." Joan Cusack does a pretty good job as well. Kate is the coolest aunt in the world, while Joan is the most motherly. You see, Joan's the aunt who'll kick your butt and make you mad, but she's the kind of person kids need around 'em. She has one of the best scenes in the movie when she shows up at a hotel and totally lays the smack down on a little punk who took her 15-year-old niece (Hayden Panettiere) there during prom. The older women in the movie theater clapped and cheered. Little boys dream about being superheroes, baseball players, and firemen. Little girls dream about being princesses, actresses, and dating Kirk Cameron (well, at least Stephanie did). But this scene is what mothers and aunts dream about. If you want to see a much better movie dealing with a similar "my lifestyle will completely change because of this tragedy" theme, then I recommend "Jersey Girl." But those of you who are in dire need of some big-screen Kate Hudson should be satisfied as long as you're not looking for a movie to challenge you or have you guffawing in your seat. MAMA'S APPROVAL There's not too much here to offend my mom. There are a couple of profanities, but nothing extreme. Sexuality isn't a big deal either. There's a little smooching and Kate in a small dress, oh, and some of the models are wearing see-through gowns over thongs, but it's not really anything gratuitous. Still, little kids probably won't be interested. TRAILER COMPARISON The trailer is fairly representative of the movie. If the trailer looks stupid to you, then guess what, you'll probably feel the same way about the movie. THE GIST "Raising Helen" is truly a chick flick, and it should definitely please its intended female audience. But guys, if you like Kate Hudson, then it's not the worst movie to sit through if you wanna score some points by taking your lady to see this. If you're the type of person who can cry during a long-distance phone commercial then this is movie gold for you. Photos Copyright ©2004 Touchstone Pictures. All Rights Reserved.	RETURN TO HOME PAGE Ghouls Eagle Eye Righteous Kill Tropic Thunder Traitor Death Race Star Wars: Clone Wars The Dark Knight Journey to the Center of the Earth Hancock Weekend Results: 1. Beverly Hills Chihuahua($29,300,465) 2. Eagle Eye($17,709,817) 3. Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist($11,311,751) 4. Nights in Rodanthe($7,368,259) 5. Appaloosa($5,050,310)

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