Maltin on Movies Season 1 Episode 45 "The Help" and "30 Minutes or Less" Reviews

Maltin on Movies season 1 episode 45 features reviews for "The Help" and "30 Minutes or Less."

In the first review, Leonard Maltin and co-host Baron Vaughn discuss the 2011 film "The Help," which is based on the bestselling novel of the same name by Kathryn Stockett. The film is set in 1960s Mississippi and centers on a young white woman named Skeeter (Emma Stone) who decides to write a book about the experiences of black maids working in white households. The ensemble cast includes Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer, and Jessica Chastain, among others.

Maltin and Vaughn praise the performances of the cast, particularly Davis and Spencer, who both won Academy Awards for their roles. They also discuss the film's depiction of the Civil Rights era and how it reflects the point of view of a white protagonist. While they acknowledge some criticisms of the film, including accusations of a "white savior" narrative, they ultimately recommend "The Help" as an entertaining and well-made movie.

The second review is for the 2011 action-comedy "30 Minutes or Less," which stars Jesse Eisenberg as a pizza delivery driver who gets kidnapped by two criminals (Danny McBride and Nick Swardson) and forced to rob a bank within 30 minutes. The film also features Aziz Ansari as Eisenberg's best friend and romantic rival.

Maltin and Vaughn have mixed feelings about "30 Minutes or Less." While they enjoy the performances of the cast, particularly Ansari and McBride, they find the film's premise to be contrived and the humor to be hit-or-miss. They also criticize the film's treatment of women and people of color, which they feel perpetuates harmful stereotypes. Despite these criticisms, they acknowledge that the film has some entertaining moments and may be worth a watch for fans of the cast or the genre.

Overall, Maltin on Movies season 1 episode 45 provides thoughtful and nuanced reviews of two very different films. While "The Help" is a serious drama with a powerful message, "30 Minutes or Less" is a lighthearted comedy with fast-paced action. Maltin and Vaughn take the time to delve into each film's strengths and weaknesses, providing valuable insights for viewers who may be considering watching these movies.