Cubussoli Very very predictable, including the post credit scene !!!
Selfmageob This was not a good film.
Moustroll Good movie but grossly overrated
InformationRap This is one of the few movies I've ever seen where the whole audience broke into spontaneous, loud applause a third of the way in.
Gavin Purtell I can see why people are comparing 'The Butler' to 'Forrest Gump' - it does trace a lot of American history from the last 60 years, but it's not an alternative history, it's just told from one man's perspective from his unique position within the White House.The best part of this film is the cast - it is stacked and it's fun to see which president will be played by which actor. You have to bear in mind that Cecil (Whitaker) served under seven different U.S. presidents, played by (you'll have to guess who portrays each president) John Cusack, James Marsden, Alan Rickman (yes, even though he's British), Liev Schreiber and Robin Williams - some very interesting choices. It's also odd to see Oprah, Mariah Carey and Lenny Kravitz acting, although they don't do too bad a job.The meat of the story is obviously the civil rights movement in the U.S. in the 50's-70's (as told through one family's struggles) and it is truly shocking and confronting to see some genuine footage of how black people were treated in the South at that time. I can barely comprehend how or why anyone would want or feel the need to treat another human like that - or that the world used to discriminate against you if you were black, female or homosexual. Hopefully there's no such prejudices left anywhere in the next 20 years.
Oliver Thatcher Watson This film is fantastic for the most part. I say that not only because of the fantastic performances given by all the actors in this film, but also the great story that goes on a decent flow, as well as a mind-blowingly good setup with not only the locations, but the whole way this film is presented. This film is easily one of the better historical films I have seen and I couldn't be happier with the overall outcome of this film. The only real issue I do have, however, is that while the story is great and very well written, it can sometimes seem a tad choppy and somewhat uneven. Besides that though, I honestly think this film is not only a joy to watch with its fascinating history and great story, but it is also very educational, as it shows how it was back in previous years. I recommend this film to anyone who wants to see an entertaining and educational film that will most likely give the viewers an idea of the history that this film shows, as well as anyone who hasn't seen it yet, as they will most likely be fascinated by the history and impressed with the fantastic performances and story, like I was.
zkonedog If I were a history teacher in this day and age, my job when teaching the Civil Rights unit would be oh so simple...just cue up "The Butler".For a basic plot summary, this movie tells the story of Cecil Gaines (Forest Whitaker), who as a young slave learns the craft of serving. Eventually, after his service is noticed by a high-ranking official, Cecil becomes a butler at the White House, serving the Eisenhower-Reagan administrations. Along the way, Cecil's relationship with his wife Gloria (Oprah Winfrey) and son Louis (David Oyelowo) are the forces that truly define his life.As with all movies about such sensitive topics as civil rights, I was a bit worried going in that "The Butler" would be overly preachy. However, I quickly found that this type of filmmaking is far from that approach. Director Lee Daniels does indeed delve into some heavy issues, but he pretty much just lays out the situations and lets the viewers themselves decided what to believe. As with all truly great movies, this is a film about people, first and foremost, and their often complicated interactions with each other. Yes, civil rights and the White House is the backdrop, but the real strength is the relationships cultivated within it.The acting is also absolutely top-notch. Each character had a purpose and each actor was able to bring out that purpose in an emotionally form. For a period piece (though a rather long period), the acting and cinematography make you feel as if you are truly a part of the action. One chilling scene involving the KKK will have you almost physically uncomfortable.Overall, "The Butler" is one of the better movies I've seen in awhile. As I was leaving the theater, I was thinking deep thoughts and pondering the many messages it will leave kicking around in your brain.
santiagocosme In a time of segregation, we see America through the eyes of a black man who served as a butler in the white house for many decades. While working alongside the world's most powerful men, this butler suffers the injustice of being black and being underpaid. Not even in the white house, being black means equality. Meanwhile, his family breaks down as their son grows up to fight and join the black panthers and spends most of his life in and out of prison fighting for the rights of black citizens. This is key in the movie, as we see inside the same family, a completely different way of approaching the social injustices of America. More than wondering if the Butler is going to have a decent life as a servant in the white house, we are made to wonder if Father and son will one day see America with the same eyes. I was not expecting a lot from this movie, but I actually liked it a lot. Recommended!
