This movie doesn't have a real inspirational protagonist, and its goal is not to give you such. It is simply to tell a story of a unique man in history. While watching the movie, I related it to a true Forrest Gump. Historical events are the backdrop to this movie, and if you are familiar with the time period, you'll hear plenty of historical references from the many portrayed presidents.
For a history buff, this movie gives entertainment on so many levels. You'll see presidents debating historical events, freedom rides, Little Rock Nine, and the KKK. Some is used with actual footage, others with reenactments. But it is all done very well. The cast is strangely chosen, but fairly well chosen nonetheless. While it seems actors were chosen based on their status rather than looks (in comparison to the people they portrayed), they do well with their portrayals.
The title seems a little misleading. Only half of this movie was about The Butler himself. The other half was focused on his unlikable friends and family, leaving you wanting the camera to just go back to Cecil, because watching him shine shoes is much more interesting than seeing an obnoxious neighbor hit on his wife. Like I said, MOST of the cast does well. But John Cusack as Richard Nixon? Really? I could not have heard of a worse choice. Not only does he not look like Nixon in any way, but his character has the appearance of a young stressed out guy rather than a paranoid old man. In my opinion, Tommy Lee Jones would have been a much better choice. Also, a death of a primary character occurs at the end of the film, but it is so undramatic that it is up to par with Bane's death in the Dark Knight Rises. It could have been done much better. Finally, the movie took place over many years. Yet the characters' looks don't really change throughout the film, and then they suddenly drastically change. I wish it would have taken notes from A Beautiful Mind.
Overall, despite its issues, I would recommend the Butler to history lovers and movie lovers in general. I think it is worth one viewing at the least, just to learn of a unique yet unknown man who had served the United States for years with no credit to his name. It can be a long movie, but for many, it is worth it.
For a history buff, this movie gives entertainment on so many levels. You'll see presidents debating historical events, freedom rides, Little Rock Nine, and the KKK. Some is used with actual footage, others with reenactments. But it is all done very well. The cast is strangely chosen, but fairly well chosen nonetheless. While it seems actors were chosen based on their status rather than looks (in comparison to the people they portrayed), they do well with their portrayals.
The title seems a little misleading. Only half of this movie was about The Butler himself. The other half was focused on his unlikable friends and family, leaving you wanting the camera to just go back to Cecil, because watching him shine shoes is much more interesting than seeing an obnoxious neighbor hit on his wife. Like I said, MOST of the cast does well. But John Cusack as Richard Nixon? Really? I could not have heard of a worse choice. Not only does he not look like Nixon in any way, but his character has the appearance of a young stressed out guy rather than a paranoid old man. In my opinion, Tommy Lee Jones would have been a much better choice. Also, a death of a primary character occurs at the end of the film, but it is so undramatic that it is up to par with Bane's death in the Dark Knight Rises. It could have been done much better. Finally, the movie took place over many years. Yet the characters' looks don't really change throughout the film, and then they suddenly drastically change. I wish it would have taken notes from A Beautiful Mind.
Overall, despite its issues, I would recommend the Butler to history lovers and movie lovers in general. I think it is worth one viewing at the least, just to learn of a unique yet unknown man who had served the United States for years with no credit to his name. It can be a long movie, but for many, it is worth it.