Movie Reviews and Remembering My Childhood

Last Sunday I had brunch and a movie date with my friends Sassy and Hermie. In case you've never been to the Sunset buffet, it is excellent. The best "neighborhood" casino buffet I've ever been too. After a terrific omelet we were off to the movies. We saw the highly acclaimed "The Help." Sassy, who is a softy, cried throughout. Even when she was laughing, she was crying. I enjoyed the movie very much but it didn't have me squalling. My tears were because I lived through that era and it was a long time ago. I remember the styles of that time and the maid's uniforms. Though I was a child, I well remember "colored" restrooms and water fountains. I remember going to get a drink of water at Woolworth's while my Mama was shopping. My Mom appeared from no where and jerked my mouth away from the fountain, then walked me to the "whites" water fountain. I was so young that I didn't get it at the time. My family was not in the upper income category that could afford to have "Help", but my Aunt Katie was. She was quite the independent female pioneer of her time. She was divorced with two young boys to raise and she owned her own very successful business. she did have a maid. Her name was Tiola. I'll never forget Tiola. She all but raised my cousins and I was as anxioux to see her when I visited as I was to see my Aunt Katie. My Aunt was a drill sergent but Tiola was a softy. I can still remember Aunt Katie going off to work and ordering Tiola, "Only one piece of sugar toast each and make them eat their oatmeal." As Tiola served up our second and third pieces of sugar toast, she would wink. It was our unspoken secret, the way she spoiled us. I loved Tiola. She was fun and funny. She entertained us and loved us. My memories of her are as fond as my memories of any of our relatives. This movie struck home with me and filled me with childhood nostalgia.
"The Help" is an excellent movie. Two thumbs up. It is one of only a few movies that I care to see for a second time.
On the movie note, I saw an older one a few weeks ago that is worth recommending - "Taken" with Liam Nelson. It is a few years old and a great one to rent for movie night at home. Get that popcorn popping!