The Butler

  • 2013


MOVIE IS powerful american emotional african
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68 %
72 % Fresh
$ 1 Million
See Where to Watch The Butler
Positive Reviews 93
Negative reviews 11
Average Rating 3.4/5
powerful american emotional african

  • All
  • Positive
  • Negative
3.5
Its strong appeal for black audiences suggest a strong turnout for this underserved niche, and the movie seems well positioned to gain some decent tra .. Indie Wire
3.0
Overall, this is all that is and should be expected from a movie like The Butler, and for the most part it is satisfying. We Got This Covered
3.0
Lee Daniels The Butler is a straightforward film that puts the recent past in our grasp. Austin Chronicle
3.0
Theres even appreciation for the fortitude of the housewife caught between the two men (Oprah Winfrey, alternately sassy and very affecting), typifyin .. Time Out
3.0
This dismantling of a story from within manages to be both enthrallingly meta and movingly sincere. Time Out
3.8
It will probably get a lighter sentence from the Critical Court of Complexity because of its comfort food entertainment value. Rogerebert
2.0
The Butler is so desperate to leapfrog its way to Oscar contender status that it never quite manages to entertain or move you in the moment: its a his .. Telegraph
2.0
The final movie result is part lackluster biopic, part ham fisted (and somewhat misguided) historical allegory, despite the noble intentions of the ca .. Screen Rant
3.8
And the film, with a screenplay credited to Danny Strong, adapted from a Washington Post story by Wil Haygood, is undeniably powerful. Philly
2.8
The Butler is obviously a labor of love for all concerned, and its hard not to be moved by its reflection of the struggle African Americans have endur .. One Guys Opinion
2.8
If Forest Whitaker wasnt in this film, it would have been a misfire. Sover
3.5
10 1 7 / 10 Lee Daniels The Butler is the official title of this picture due to ridiculous studio tensions that forced distributor The Weinstein Compa .. Blu Ray
2.5
Ill keep the story, but Ill just leave the movie where I found it. Combust Ible Celluloid
3.1
It does not paint a pretty picture of race relations in America (It was not and, sadly, continues, in certain respects, not to be one), but it is an o .. Mark Reviews Movies
3.8
Winfrey has substantial chemistry with Whitaker and gives a solid performance, though its hard to forget were watching the TV star. Usa Today
3.5
Despite the strange cast and stranger movie title, this is a good film. Lariat
2.0
I have to give the filmmaker kudos for the attempt, but its simply too much material for the limited time and thus everything feels like highlights ra .. Screen It
3.1
But its watching Cecil open his eyes, in Whitakers reflective, powerfully understated performance, that fills this flawed film with potency and purpos .. Rolling Stone
2.0
The Nature of Imitation is the sound of Dorian Concept systematically deconstructing various genres, stripping them back to the bones underneath and t .. Pop Matters
3.5
Its too bad Daniels seemingly felt compelled to fish for tears, because The Butler has no shortage of powerful scenes and memorable performances. The Wrap
3.1
Strong work from the three stars as a family splintered by Civil Rights era tensions, but the film too often resorts to easy sentiment and simple cari .. News Day
3.2
Although Whitaker gives a sturdy, commendable performance, his character is made to bear too much symbolic weight. Cs Monitor
4.0
Performances are stunning and notably enhanced by remarkable makeup wizardry that ages key players. Film Journal
3.0
Yet for all its sticky sweet flaws and all too on the nose contrivances, there is still genuine passion (if not anger) in this fanciful retelling of c .. The Guardian
2.0
History is written by the victors, they say; this movie looks as if the history of American race politics as written by Julian Fellowes. The Guardian
2.0
A great film about the American civil rights movement is way overdue. The Guardian
4.0
Its a balm to the cutting obscenities of stubborn racism and violence relived here, whose vile legacy the film makes clear.The sheer pile up of ugline .. Az Central
4.0
The surprise here is that neither Daniels direction nor Danny Strongs screenplay feels rushed or shortchanged. Mountain X
3.8
So much exposition is crammed into the dialogue, its amazing the actors can spit out all the words without rolling their eyes. Star Tribune
3.0
This is one involved young man.The Butler is not well served by its own ambition. Daily Mail
3.8
But as undeniably moving and powerful as his film is, it could have used more of that subtlety. Ew
4.0
In a picture driven by a vibrant portrayal of African American life and the visceral, explosive force of history, their opposed and intersecting chara .. Salon
2.0
But the directors sometimes absurd bravadoalong with Forest Whitakers grave, wise performance in the title roleis what gives this outsized and sometim .. Slate
3.0
Gaines experience may be a true life story, but The Butler is pure Hollywood moonshine. Flim List
3.0
Its all a bit much.And although the films message is entirely principled, it smacks of self importance and comes with a veneer of sentimentality that .. Empire
4.5
Susan Grangers review of Lee Daniels The Butler (The Weinstein Company) To make a good movie, you must start with a compelling story and that describe .. Susang Ranger
3.0
Even though the film was inspired by a true story, there are parts that are so overly sentimental (like a young Caroline Kennedy improbably discussing .. Common Sense Media
2.5
Its awful, and yet its probably 80 percent of what fun there is here. Sf Gate
2.0
It makes the most important American story of the 20th century personal and electrifying. Boston Herald
4.4
Its hard to think of a recent film thats at once so familiar and welcoming in its overarching story of hard won triumph and yet so radical and nuanced .. Slant Magazine
2.5
And you cant quite have it both ways without making a movie with a personality disorder. Washington Post
4.0
The stirring, highly watchable picture is inspired by the real life story of long serving White House butler Eugene Allen who came to prominence in hi .. Express
2.8
This half of the film is more of a history lesson than anything else. Reeling Reviews
4.5
As far as the U.S. and humanity still have to go when it comes to combatting bigotry, to see how much has changed for the better over the course of ju .. Flickfilosopher
4.0
A problematic home life Oprah Winfrey is wonderful as Cecils alcoholic wife adds sad, grace notes to a grand, orchestral work.Right wing cultural comm .. The Irish Times
3.5
As a history lesson the movie is superficial at best, but as a social time capsule it has relevance and merit. Blogs Indie Wire
4.0
Audience pandering History Lite. Whitaker is dazzling, but Daniels self congratulatory film spoon feeds us a civil rights lesson without adding nuance .. Blogs Indie Wire
2.8
But there are issues of tone, vaulting the audience between laughter and tears in a way that feels manipulative and not particularly skilled. Blogs Indie Wire
3.0
Get 50% off this NOW TV Smart Box with 4K HDR *and* 3 entertainment passes in the Black Friday sale Deals This NOW TV Smart Box is jam packed with the .. Total Film
3.8
Forest Whitaker imbues his part with immense dignity and the old age makeup is effective showcasing Cecil during his later years. ReelViews
3.5
The caricaturing here is extreme and creates immediate worries about whats to come. Hollywood Reporter
2.5
Whitaker is a consistent actor that can rise to greatness with the right role. Lyles Movie Files
4.0
While often sentimental, crude and hampered by a stiff performance by David Oyelowo as the butlers son, Louis, Lee Danielss tale is never dull.Think o .. Standard
2.5
But not before Earl has a chance to warn his son: Dont lose your temper with the man. Los Angeles Times
3.5
Whitaker digs in deep and gives a marvelous under the skin performance; he seems to catch the very essence of a man who has spent his whole life tryin .. Variety
3.1
In this way, the film barrels through a lesson in the civil rights movement by pitting Cecils quiet dignity against Louis aggressive protest. Groucho Reviews
3.8
Benedict Cumberbatch Wants You To Know He *Is* The Motherf*cking Grinch The Grinch star takes Mike Ryan through the final scenes of Avengers: Infinity .. Hit Fix
2.5
Its an appealing premise that is, in the movies early stages, employed to breezy and thoroughly entertaining effect by director Don Scardino, with the .. Reel Film
3.1
Its too obviously a careful tour through American history, and while some sequences work particularly the various attacks on civil rights workers too .. Nj
3.1
The film covers a lot of ground with many players, sometimes risking collapse, but it never lets us forget the quest for wholeness at the heart of the .. The Star
2.8
By trying to inflate one remarkable life story into the chronicle of a generation, Daniels fills what could have been an inspirational, personal saga .. Oregon Live
3.5
The Butler is alternately touching, sobering, depressing and even unnerving. Deseret News
3.5
While The Butler offers many enjoyable moments, it feels as though Daniels has tried to cram too many details and deliver too much information Urban Cine File
3.8
Reviewed by Jason Buchanan Director Lee Daniels (Precious) teams up with Emmy Award winning screenwriter Danny Strong to tell the remarkable story of .. Movies Tv Guide
3.0
With the United States first black president trudging through a turbulent second term in office, director Lee Daniels (Precious, The Paperboy) employs .. The Age
3.5
Its strengths are its performances, especially that of Whitaker, and its presentation of the Civil Rights struggle by focusing on how it impacted its .. Maki At The Movies
3.0
Scriptwriter Danny Strong, who portrayed the nerdy sorcerer Jonathan Levinson on Buffy The Vampire Slayer, needs to bear in mind that audiences can th .. Digital Spy
3.5
Its rare to wish a movie were an hour or two longer, when it already feels an hour longer than it is. Tamp A Bay
3.1
A star filled, if heavy handed, labor of love that certainly has its heart in the right place, and scores dramatically often enough to recommend it. New York Post
3.0
Daniels does a good job of portraying the period in a warm, moving and righteous manner.Its at its most interesting when dealing with politics; at its .. Nz Herald
1.9
Its not easy to turn years and years and years of race relations into a two hour family drama.Lee Daniels The Butler merely delivers some of the civil .. Red Eye Chicago
2.5
The film is so busy trying to make a big impact that it only succeeds when the rare cast member transcends the calculated restraints placed upon them. .. Dustin Put Man
3.0
But its been so fictionalised that it feels kind of like a variation on Forrest Gump. Contact Music
4.2
This ought to make us sad.Because some people think this is what movies are dumb and blunt delivery systems that dont require us to do more than absor .. Ar Kansas Online
3.5
It may not deserve it, but at least its heart and its head are in the right place. Film Racket
5.0
Its a movie that pulls you into its drama and gives you a new angle on a history you thought you knew. Hollywood And Fine
5.0
Its nearly impossible to watch this movie without experiencing a roller coaster of visceral reactions terror, disgust, shock, sadness, and, finally, g .. Refinery 29
3.2
With so many actors and so many subplots, it felt like I was watching a rushed chronology of civil rights events than an engaging, character driven st .. The Film Pie
3.8
There are two sides to every story, and Lee Daniels The Butler personifies both of them. Js Online
2.0
In its bid to sum up the black experience in America, Lee Daniels The Butler loses sight of the man at the films core. The Dissolve
2.5
In its manic search for a shortcut to a bigger, more glamorous finish line, it just ends up tripping over itself. Cinemix Tape
3.1
Oyelowo proves to be this movies singular lightning rod, a performance that erupts from the actors soul and whisks Louis through the years with power .. Daily Herald
3.0
What doesnt: Its an unevenly paced film that is long on self importance but short on subtlety. No La
2.5
Lee Daniels The Butler was inspired, a title card says, by a true story. Wsj
3.5
The Butler may at times stray into sanctimonious territory, even veering towards parody, but its honest depiction of some of Americas darkest days and .. Concrete Play Ground
4.0
Most of the casting works with some characters adding a much needed lightness to the heavy subject of racism that is hard to watch. Review Express
3.8
A film that is surely no simple feat that was tremendously researched is executed seamlessly and doused with raw affection and riveting conflict at ev .. Reel Talk Online
2.5
Five years ago, this starring role sense of history played its part in electing Barack Obamaan achievement unto itself, the medias marquees told us, j .. Vue Weekly
3.8
Just like Forrest Gump, this warm drama chronicles a man who unwittingly becomes a part of the 20th century tapestry. Us Magazine
3.1
Daniels is at a loss to get all the history and adequate screen time for that embarrassment of acting riches. Wp Me
3.0
German shepards baring hostile teeth, flaming crosses or the casual humiliation of spitting into the faces of peaceful protesters youll be on the edge .. Graffiti With Punctuation
5.0
Whitaker is so good in this film though that you sometimes forget about its messy gallop through history. Honey Cutts Hollywood
3.0
Daniels depiction of this era is well balanced, gripping, and often electrifying. Sky
4.0
Were sorry, but this web site contains enhanced features not supported by the browser version you are currently using. Richard Roeper
2.5
But if youre ready for a lesson in the American civil rights movement, told through the perspective of a White House butler, this unique tale definite .. Ut Sandiego
4.9
It is a truly grand story arc and, thanks in part to its subject matter, can be wonderfully emotional. Flixist
3.0
But, as a film, its too fragmented to carry its own weight on its shoulders and is over burdened by a starry cast. Birmingham Mail
4.0
Cecils character arc is long and slow.Its very fulfilling to watch the elderly man evolve. Dwight Brown Ink
3.5
The script does skim across history at times, but the civil rights movement itself is incorporated extremely well and delivers the most powerful scene .. Sa Current
3.5
At times the story hits with a strong emotional force, but occasionally falls into melodrama. Leepers Us
3.5
Who could have predicted that the master of TV talk would deliver such a magnificent performance much of it between the lines Oc Register
3.0
Based on the life of a black American butler who served seven presidents, its a heart warming tale simply told. Daily Record
4.5
Daniels expertly leaves the film with a great sense of accomplishment, pride, and most importantly, hope without ever stooping to an oversaturation of .. Fox News
4.4
Whitakers ever observing, ever expressive eyes tell the tale of how he actively processes, thinks, and feels even if outwardly he may appear as nothin .. The Movie Report
3.8
Whitaker delivers a great understated performance full of amazing nuance and overt mastery. Dc5
3.0
Its a magnificent case study in shaping oneself to others expectations. 7 Dvt
3.5
And Cecils story, in its dramatized arc of one mans long, arduous but finally glorious and transformative journey across time, reminds us of just how .. American Profile
3.8
The civil rights movement does deserve more attention from Hollywood.And one has to applaud the effort here. Womens Voices For Change
3.2
Its a truncated history lesson, to be sure, but one that Lee Daniels The Butler serves up fairly well. Events Austin 360
1.0
Whats missing from The Butler arent good performance, solid production values and an obvious respect for history its the ability to make that history .. Television Without Pity
3.5
I dont think the movie is quite capital r Respectable enough to be winning the Best Picture Oscar it so desperately wants, but at the right moments, i .. Deads
5.0
The strength of this film is that it is Cecil and Glorias story, not the White Houses story.The presidents come and go, touching Cecil briefly but pow .. Patheos
3.5
That rarity alone is entirely refreshing and earns Daniels movie a pass that its often mawkish and stereotypical moments wouldnt otherwise deserve (th .. Windy City Media Group
3.5
While consistently intelligent, its at times a bit crass, wearing its integrity on its sleeve. Culture Catch
3.0
But, as a film, its too fragmented to carry its own weight on its shoulders and is over burdened by a starry cast. Birmingham Post



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