THE BUTLER

I happened to catch THE BUTLER the other day. Now this movie is one of those Cinderella stories in more ways than one. This movie went through Hell and back just getting made. The producer's list alone, which totals over 40 different names, tells a harrowing story worthy of its own film. The struggle to get this movie made does have a happy ending because not only did it get made, it's also a damn good film in its own right. The movie, directed by Lee Daniels and starring Forest Whitaker, tells the story of the life and times of Cecil Gaines, a mild mannered White House butler, and his struggle to raise a family during one of the most turbulent times in American history in the Civil Rights movement while at the same time fulfilling his duties as a personal servant to some of the most powerful men in history. The Butler is gripping, genuinely heartfelt, and powerful while at the same time, never shying away from the harsh reality of what life was like for Black Americans in the 50s, 60s and 70's. All of that and I still haven't mentioned the with masterful performances in this film not only from Whitaker, but also Cuba Gooding Jr., David Oyelowo and most impressively Oprah Winfrey, who I believe has just won herself a Best Actress nod in this year's Academy Awards(yes she really was that good). There are also quite a number of notable cameos here from names like Robin Williams, Alan Richman and even Jane Fonda. Besides the acting, everything else is good here too from art direction to score. It does have a little bit of a hang up between the second and third acts with pacing as it seems to take a little too much of its time and drags just a little bit but the performances more than make up for any technical missteps it makes. If you liked films like The Help or The Color Purple or even Forest Gump, you'll like this film. Check it out if you can because The Butler gets a 4.5... out of 5.