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Title: Lee Daniels' The Butler (2013)
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| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| Forest Whitaker | ... | ||
| David Banner | ... | ||
| Michael Rainey Jr. | ... | ||
| LaJessie Smith | ... | ||
| Mariah Carey | ... | ||
| Alex Pettyfer | ... | ||
| Vanessa Redgrave | ... | ||
| Aml Ameen | ... | ||
| Clarence Williams III | ... | ||
| John P. Fertitta | ... |
Mr. Jenkins
(as John Fertitta)
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| Jim Gleason | ... | ||
| Oprah Winfrey | ... | ||
| Isaac White | ... | ||
| David Oyelowo | ... | ||
| Joe Chrest | ... |
White Usher
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Cecil Gaines was a sharecropper's son who grew up in the 1920s as a domestic servant for the white family who casually destroyed his. Eventually striking out on his own, Cecil becomes a hotel valet of such efficiency and discreteness in the 1950s that he becomes a butler in the White House itself. There, Cecil would serve numerous US Presidents over the decades as a passive witness of history with the American Civil Rights Movement gaining momentum even as his family has troubles of its own. As his wife, Gloria, struggles with her addictions and his defiant eldest son, Louis, strives for a just world, Cecil must decide whether he should take action in his own way. Written by Kenneth Chisholm (kchishol@rogers.com)
For anyone who has seen The Help this is the less elegant version.. Actually this isn't elegant at all, it's just bland and poorly done. Nothing really happens, and even though the tagline is "One quiet voice can ignite a revolution" very little actually happens in the film..
First off Whitaker is thoroughly underwhelming, which is honestly surprising. I often enjoy his films, but he is totally uninspiring in this.
Oprah has gotten a lot of buzz due to her role, many even talking about Oscar noms. Is it that good? No... I must admit I was a little biased coming into this due to her publicity stunt with regards to the whole "Swiss purse" incident.
Jane Fonda, a die-hard liberal in the role of Nancy Reagan would be akin to casting Jon Voight as FDR. In other words, it doesn't make any sense and instead jumps out as an eye sore.
My biggest problem with this film is the lack of any grace. It's just a race guilt tripping wet dream.... The Help was funny, it was touching and the actresses did phenomenal. While watching The Butler I couldn't get past "oh that's Oprah, there's Jane Fonda.."
To close, don't see this. It's boring, it's not entertaining, it doesn't have any memorable performances, many needless guest stars, and of course Oprah. You are much better off renting The Help for a truly enjoyable film where you don't finish the movie feeling uncomfortable for being white.