Before I get to one of my last Us Weekly movie reviews, let me just address the fact that the men I’ve talked to don’t want to see this movie. We’re not talking about a Jennifer Aniston – Gerard Butler romcom. The Help is must-see viewing, a drama dominated by female characters but universal in its message. Men you had better man-up and see The Help.

Us Rating: ****

Spunky rising star Emma Stone scores in this big-hearted, crowd-pleasing chick flick based on the smash 2009 novel about race relations. Recent college grad Skeeter (Stone) returns to her hometown of Jackson, Mississippi, in 1962,  then writes a book about the lives of the African-American nannies who raised her and her friends. While Stone sparkles with intelligence, it’s costar Viola Davis (Doubt) who truly moves the audience as a housekeeper who loves the plump white toddler she cares for, but who gets tormented by the girl’s steely mother (Ahna O’Reilly). This compelling, complicated story about love and hatred across racial lines delivers an instant classic that’s faithful the novel — an will also inspire new fans.