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Michael Elliott (Movie Parables) says, "What humor exists in this film plays flat and the drama is of the maudlin variety. The tone is off, the pacing is slow, and the characters are uninteresting. Kate Hudson is certainly cute enough but isn't able to establish a sympathetic connection with the audience. The wonderful Joan Cusack gamely gives her best effort in playing a one dimensional character and John Corbett has trouble reaching even that one dimension."

Chris Monroe (Christian Spotlight) says, "This film is very playful, yet coherent, and tells a sweet kind of uplifting story. It upholds good morals and even carries with it some touching moments. Seeing this movie is an easy-going way to raise your spirits."

Rhonda Handlon (Plugged In) points out some "imperfections," and then concludes, "This is an enduring story of lives changed by selfless choices and the intangible return of investing in others. It's also the story of one cool mom!"

Gene Edward Veith (Plugged In) says, "The best part of the movie is how it portrays a pastor. Pastor Dan is strong and wise, ministering both to Helen, the rookie mom, and to the still-grieving children, including rescuing the teenage girl from some bad company. This so-called 'sexy man of God' is in refreshing contrast to Hollywood's usual portrayal of ministers, who are usually presented as either evil hypocrites or ineffectual wimps. Pastor Dan is clearly a man of faith, though not a lot of the content of that faith is articulated in the movie. Critics are saying that the movie is cloying and has various other faults. Though they may have a point, the movie is enjoyable and positive (though not for children), representing a post-Passion Hollywood."

Annabelle Robertson (Crosswalk) has a very different opinion of Pastor Dan. She's troubled by the idea that a good pastor would date an unbeliever. She also criticizes the portrayal of a Lutheran pastor who claims to believe in purgatory.

Finally, Robertson observes, "On the surface, the message of Raising Helen is that mothering is more important than anything else we could pursue in life, including career. Dig a little deeper, however, and a second message about motherhood emerges—one that contradicts the first. Ultimately, according to the film, the best mom is the one who can somehow manage career and home. The film clearly implies that single mothers are far better than couples (even happily married, loving, experienced parents)."

Mainstream critics are less than enthusiastic about the film.

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Related Elsewhere:

Garry Marshall	Printer view
The man who brought us TV's Happy Days and films like Pretty Woman now delivers another romantic comedy, Raising Helen, starring Kate Hudson—whose mom, Goldie Hawn, starred in another Marshall film, Overboard, 17 years ago.

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John Corbett	Printer view
Best known for his roles in Northern Exposure, My Big Fat Greek Wedding, and HBO's Sex and the City, John Corbett now plays a Lutheran pastor—and Kate Hudson's love interest—in his latest film.

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Kate Hudson	Printer view
The daughter of Goldie Hawn—and stepdaughter of Kurt Russell—got a taste of motherhood while filming Raising Helen. After filming ended, Hudson learned that she was pregnant with her first child.