Raising Helen

The problem for Hudson is....Hudson's best scenes are with Joan Cusack (as Hudson's resentful, jealous, uptight sister), who lifts proceedings in a juicy role which could have been more central..... ... Full Review

The country surely has good talents," said Aaron. The talent hunt is applicable only for aspiring directors and not established ones. ... Full Review

Next to the title, Corbett is the best thing about the film, sparkling, witty, always sweet and courteous, but, more important, a dominating, charismatic screen presence. Frankly, the film doesn't know which way it's going. ... Full Review

Hudson acts sweet, wrinkling her nose and giggling lots, while Joan Cusack is good value as her mommyhood-gone-mad sister. Helen (Kate Hudson) is a high-flying PA who likes nothing more than drinking and dancing - - until she's lumbered with her late sister's three kids, forcing her to grow up sharpish. ... Full Review

Helen (Kate Hudson) is a high-flying PA who likes nothing more than drinking and dancing until shes lumbered with her late sisters three kids, forcing her to grow up sharpish. Plus, Helen Mirrens suitably evil as Helens boss (played like Cruella De Vil without the spots). ... Full Review

Yet for all its simplicity, Raising Helen is largely satisfying as entertainment. Eternal second fiddle Joan Cusack -- a working mom of two, let us note -- also does standout work as Jenny, Helen's neglected middle sister. ... Full Review

Kate Hudson's natural charisma also shines through but she's ill-served by the director, who consistently rocks the balance between sadness and light..... ... Full Review

Rescue from a mundane life is a frequent Marshall theme, so it's a surprise to see that idea reversed in Raising Helen , a film that neither Kate Hudson, Helen Mirren nor Joan Cusack can save. Cusack, as always, is superb in the role, but it's not her movie. ... Full Review

Raising Helen is the same, dismal formula film that Hollywood cranks out year after year. It has no surprises, no character development, and worst of all, tries to manipulate your feelings with crappy melodrama. ... Full Review

Raising Helen," Marshall's 13th feature as a director, however, will leave few people laughing or misty as this dry-duct soaper chugs along in the Hollywood netherworld where humor and pathos are in short supply. The agreeable cast led by Hudson and Cusack manage to extract a handful of laughs from the forgettable dialogue, but at nearly two hours, the film goes on far too long. ... Full Review