The Butler (2013)

Lee Daniels' "The Butler", the follow-up to his breakthrough hit "Precious", is a well written and finely acted film. Danny Strong script is a wonderful exploration of a torrid history, and the rift it causes between a father and son. Though it has some minor pacing issues, it tends to flow through most scenes with ease, with earnest dialogue that gives this A-list cast plenty to work with. Forest Whitaker gives what may be his finest performance to date,  believably embodying a man through over 40 years of history. The supporting cast holds up so well against him that it would be a shame to not see a SAG nomination for them. Oprah Winfrey shines as Whitaker's wife, and Cuba Gooding, Jr. gives his best performance since... I don't know when. I would also like to compliment the make-up for this film. Debra Denson's make-up design is spectacular. Between aging the cast or making John Cusack look like Richard Nixon, it really helps the film in tremendous ways.

Grade: B+
Easter Egg: No
3D: N/A

Starring: Forest Whitaker, Oprah Winfrey, John Cusack
Director: Lee Daniels
Writer(s): Danny Strong - Article: Wil Haygood
RT: 132 min
Rating: PG-13 for some violence and disturbing images, language, sexual material, thematic elements and smoking