RAISING HELEN

Rated PG-13 (for thematic issues). 119 minutes. Directed by Garry Marshall.

MINI-REVIEW:  Kate Hudson plays Helen, a carefree career girl who gains custody of her late sister’s three kids. Complicating matters are her surviving sister (Joan Cusack), a suburban mom who thinks SHE should have gotten the kids, and a Lutheran minister (John Corbett), who’s trying to convince Helen that ministers can indeed have girlfriends and she’s the one for him.

Rounding out the cast is the always unfailing Hector Elizondo, the owner of a used car business where Helen gets a job; Helen Mirrin, her big-time Manhattan boss at a modeling agency; and Sakina Jaffrey, a neighbor who takes no prisoners when it comes to protecting children.

While this movie is pleasant and the characters are cute, I expected more from director Garry Marshall, who brought us the likes of “Pretty Woman”. This movie is tame, safe, unoriginal, and seems more like a sit-com than a movie. Still, Kate Hudson is extremely adorable and it kind of cheers you up just watching her.

SCORE: 2 out of 4 Reels.

DVD DETAILS - Released Oct. 12, 2004: Audio commentary by director Garry Marshall and the writers; bloopers; deleted scenes; and Liz Phair "Extraordinary" music video.

Jane's Reel Rating System:

One Reel – Pathetic. Even The Force can’t save it.

Two Reels – Tolerable. Coulda been a contender.

Three Reels – Pleasant. Something to talk about.

Four Reels – Wow! The stuff dreams are made of.

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