Movie Information
Overall Rank: 2407
Average Rating: 2.9/4
# of Ratings: 54
Theatrical Release Date: 08/16/2013
Blu-ray/DVD Release Date: 01/14/2014
Language: English
Genre: Biography, Drama
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Director: Lee Daniels
Actors: Forest Whitaker, Oprah Winfrey, David Oyelowo, Cuba Gooding Jr., James Marsden, Lenny Kravitz
Plot: Focuses on the life of Eugene Allen, a man who served as head butler for the White House from 1952-1986 - and his unique insight into the changing landscape of politics and race as her served eight different presidents. -- Chris Kavan
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Rating of
3.5/4
Logan D. McCoy - wrote on 07/02/2019
Never before has the expansion of Civil Rights and black life been been so perfectly portrayed on screen against an evolving American backdrop. "The Butler" also features Whitaker's most moving performance to date.
Rating of
3/4
Chris Kavan - wrote on 02/15/2014
Although it strays a big too much into the sentimental angle to make it truly spectacular, Lee Daniels has still made an excellent drama, mostly due to an outstanding cast. In any other year, this would be a sure-fire Oscar contender, but it is apparent that Hollywood has taken a more serious stance (no more Forrest Gump over Saving Private Ryan these days) and The Butler is just a little too "safe" even though it covers one of the most turbulent times in American History. It still presents a powerful message - as it really focuses on the Civil Rights movement, with the backdrop being the relationship of father (part of the old guard) and son (who works for change). Even if it missed out on the awards, it is still a worthy film.
Rating of
4/4
Ryan Stephen M - wrote on 09/06/2013
Extremely good and I think it will be considered for Oscars for sure. My 2nd best movie of the year so far.
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Rating of
3.5/4
Superb and fascinating
ikkegoemikke - wrote on 11/28/2017
"The Butler" is a fascinating historical look at the struggle of the African- American population for equal rights and an equal dignity over the years in the U.S. I'm not sure if it's completely accurate and historically correct. To be honest , I was afraid it was going to be as boring as "Lincoln ",but for 2 hours it got my complete attention. And that for a movie that's based on historical facts . If only history lessons were like this movie. I do think it should be mandatory teaching material . A lot of people will say that this film is strategically launched in order to qualify for an Oscar nomination and even receive a few of them . To be honest I am not hundred percent sure bout that. And if that's a motive to skip this movie, you'll actually miss one of the best movies of this …
Rating of
4/4
Lee Daniels' The Butler review
Daniel Corleone - wrote on 01/31/2015
"Everything you are and everything you have, is because of that butler." The film heavily relies on its Civil Rights, respect, racism and political angles, but this critic safely states that it is one of the best pictures on the importance of marriage, spending time with family and lost years between a father and son whose interests in the beginning were conflicting. Music and wardrobe just matches the timeline. Camera direction was wonderful coupled with actual footage's of various era's make it more engaging. Acting was spotless and Forest Whitaker just shines on this one. Oprah likewise delivers a sensational performance which matches Whitaker's intensity. Not as serious as 12 Years a Slave since it had some comical moments such as the scene in prison between the 2 brothers, …
Rating of
3.5/4
Surpasses Expectations
Unknown - wrote on 08/19/2013
'The Butler' is a civil rights tale dressed up in a hollywood-ized 'biography' (I use the term loosely) of one man's profession. This film succeeds at surpassing that quota by focusing solely on our main character and his family. Their drama is intertwined with actual history involving civil rights, giving us a middle class African American view of the situation through the decades. At the very core of the story is the struggling father/son relationship that mirrors the clashing of opinions on the issue. This provides many emotional moments that are earned through their weight in truth and from the terrific performances from each family member and supporters. Speaking of supporters, those playing the various presidents have very little screen time and are wearing little to no …
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Chris Kavan - wrote on 2013-05-10 22:16
You won't have to wait that long - the release date has been pushed to August 16. Given the subject matter and cast - I would say this has a very good chance at some Oscar noms. We'll see how critics react, but I have a good feeling about it.
LeeAnn M. - wrote on 2013-05-08 13:52
Every fiber of my being is screaming don't see this movie because Jane Fonda is in it. However, I think a bigger story is happening with the movie. It is the true tale of a man's eye witness to the inner workings of the White House as he served as a butler for eight presidents. I will see it come fall of 2013.
