Raising Helen (2004)
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23% of critics liked it
(127 reviews) -
65% of users liked it
(130,098 ratings)
Directed by Garry Marshall, Raising Helen revolves around Helen Harris (Kate Hudson), whose successful fashion career and decadent Manhattan lifestyle are plenty in terms of keeping her occupied and content. Helen's days as a socialite are brought to a swift end, however, when she is informed… More Directed by Garry Marshall, Raising Helen revolves around Helen Harris (Kate Hudson), whose successful fashion career and decadent Manhattan lifestyle are plenty in terms of keeping her occupied and content. Helen's days as a socialite are brought to a swift end, however, when she is informed not only of the death of her sister and brother-in-law, but of the decision to leave their three children in her care. Being one of New York's hippest matters little to 15-year-old Audrey (Hayden Panettiere), ten-year-old Henry (Spencer Breslin), and five-year-old Sarah (Abigail Breslin), who would much rather have their parents back. Convinced she can raise the kids and maintain her already fast-paced schedule, Helen quickly finds herself burnt out and disheartened by her older sister's (Joan Cusack) lack of faith. Despite her already hectic schedule, however, Helen finds the time to develop a genuine affection for her new dependents, as well as an equally genuine attraction to Pastor Don Parker (John Corbett), the kids' school principal and local pastor. Eventually, Helen realizes she can't balance the two lives, and is faced with a difficult decision: Does she live her old dreams or take a chance on a new one? ~ Tracie Cooper, Rovi
- Directed By
- Garry Marshall
- Written By
- Jack Amiel, Michael Begler
- Genres
- Comedy
- In Theaters
- May 28, 2004 Wide
- Studio
- Buena Vista Pictures
Critic Reviews
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Richard Roeper, Ebert & Roeper
[Garry Marshall] piles on the cornball touches with the sledgehammer effect of a bad sitcom director.
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Charles Taylor, Salon.com
This ode to the most stifling aspects of family and motherhood make you feel like the hicks have all uprooted themselves and moved into the front office at Touchstone.
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Mike Clark, USA Today
Almost nothing about Raising Helen rings very true, other than the camera's crush on Kate Hudson.
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Peter Howell, Toronto Star
Even those who seek the undemanding entertainment of life troubles being bravely dealt with might end up wishing they were given more than just sitcom resolutions.
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Moira MacDonald, Seattle Times
There's no real conflict, and the screenplay sometimes approaches idiocy.
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
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Cast
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Kate Hudson
as Helen Harris
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John Corbett
as Pastor Don Parker
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Joan Cusack
as Jenny Portman
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Hector Elizondo
as Mickey Massey
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Helen Mirren
as Dominique
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Hayden Panettiere
as Audrey Davis
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Spencer Breslin
as Henry Davis
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Abigail Breslin
as Sarah Davis
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Sakina Jaffrey
as Nilma Prasad
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Kevin Kilner
as Ed Portman
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Felicity Huffman
as Lindsay Davis
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Sean O'Bryan
as Paul Davis
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Amber Valletta
as Martina
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Paris Hilton
as Amber
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Emily Anne Hart
as Audrey's Friend



