Rating: PG13
Genre:
Comedy Drama
Theatrical Release: 05/28/2004(USA)
Release Date: 10/12/2004
SubTitles: English/French/Espanol
Dubbed: English/French
Sound: DD5.1
Run Time: 119 Minutes
Flags: Adult Situations
Distributor/Studio: Touchstone / Disney
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, All Movie Guide