Current Movie Review: THE BUTLER

I posted a blog yesterday for a 1954 film noir, but I also enjoy viewing the current movies. We went out and saw The Butler showing at the local cinema house. The film has gotten a lot of good buzz, and I have to concur with it. The 2+ hour historical drama is entertaining fare. The picture depicts (well, sort of because it's a composite) the real-life accounts of Eugene Allen who served as a butler at the White House for 34 years (1952-86), and the momentuous civil rights events taking place during that lengthy span. Forest Whitaker as the fictional Cecil Gaines, an African-American from south Georgia who grew up under the oppressive Jim Crow laws. He leaves and soon excels as a hotel worker in D.C. where he is asked to join the White House staff. Oprah Winfrey as Gloria Gaines, Cecil's strong-willed wife, is especially effective in her role. Also starring in the ensemble cast, Cuba Gooding, Jr. as Carter Wilson, Cecil's co-worker and friend, is funny and compassionate. Be on the look out for Clarence Williams III (as Maynard) from the old TV Mod Squad series (1968-1973). Our show drew a large audience, always heartening to see at an independent art cinema. The Butler deserves a bunch of moviegoesrs which it drew because it topped this weekend's box office receipts.