This film is fantastic for the most part. I say that not only because of the fantastic performances given by all the actors in this film, but also the great story that goes on a decent flow, as well as a mind-blowingly good setup with not only the locations, but the whole way this film is presented. This film is easily one of the better historical films I have seen and I couldn't be happier with the overall outcome of this film. The only real issue I do have, however, is that while the story is great and very well written, it can sometimes seem a tad choppy and somewhat uneven. Besides that though, I honestly think this film is not only a joy to watch with its fascinating history and great story, but it is also very educational, as it shows how it was back in previous years. I recommend this film to anyone who wants to see an entertaining and educational film that will most likely give the viewers an idea of the history that this film shows, as well as anyone who hasn't seen it yet, as they will most likely be fascinated by the history and impressed with the fantastic performances and story, like I was.

Since this movie is considered "loosely based" on the story of a man who was a White House butler, it should say so at the beginning. There are other ways to share the story of the fight for civil rights, there is no need to make up a false past about a real person. Why couldn't we just see the true story of Eugene Allen? I'm sure that story would have been interesting enough. I appreciate the need to tell the world about the fight for civil rights, but that should not have been done at the expense of a great and factual account of the interesting life of Eugene Allen.

If I were a history teacher in this day and age, my job when teaching the Civil Rights unit would be oh so simple...just cue up "The Butler".For a basic plot summary, this movie tells the story of Cecil Gaines (Forest Whitaker), who as a young slave learns the craft of serving. Eventually, after his service is noticed by a high-ranking official, Cecil becomes a butler at the White House, serving the Eisenhower-Reagan administrations. Along the way, Cecil's relationship with his wife Gloria (Oprah Winfrey) and son Louis (David Oyelowo) are the forces that truly define his life.As with all movies about such sensitive topics as civil rights, I was a bit worried going in that "The Butler" would be overly preachy. However, I quickly found that this type of filmmaking is far from that approach. Director Lee Daniels does indeed delve into some heavy issues, but he pretty much just lays out the situations and lets the viewers themselves decided what to believe. As with all truly great movies, this is a film about people, first and foremost, and their often complicated interactions with each other. Yes, civil rights and the White House is the backdrop, but the real strength is the relationships cultivated within it.The acting is also absolutely top-notch. Each character had a purpose and each actor was able to bring out that purpose in an emotionally form. For a period piece (though a rather long period), the acting and cinematography make you feel as if you are truly a part of the action. One chilling scene involving the KKK will have you almost physically uncomfortable.Overall, "The Butler" is one of the better movies I've seen in awhile. As I was leaving the theater, I was thinking deep thoughts and pondering the many messages it will leave kicking around in your brain.

From the onset my wife turns to me, I stare into her deep blue eyes filled with tears of sadness. "Yes, this happened in a not so distant past" I exclaim. The tears almost never stopped through to the end credit. I hold her hand for I feel it makes her sad. I hold her hand for I know it makes me angry! Mad that the "cotton field" are not just history portrayed in a fictional movie. Yes, I say it loud and clear. The whips, the chains, the smell of burning crosses in the distance, the silhouettes of hanging dark bodies are still contemporary metaphors. Let not whitewash this reality for it is not yet history. If you have never witnessed it in any shape or form, let me say it loud and clear as it is not imaginary. Laws have changed to give a semblance of equality. However, we will all only truly be equal when the mentalities will follow suit, when we come together as one. Peace and love.