Lee Daniels' The Butler Reviews

Sometimes uneven but always sincere, 'Lee Daniels' The Butler' is a dramatic history of civil rights as seen through the eyes of a White House butler who served several presidential administrations.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/4

Amusing stunt casting aside, it's riveting to observe how civil rights evolved from inside the Oval Office

Full Review | Original Score: 3/4

This film is a little melodramatic, seemingly contrived and predictable, but nonetheless can deliver a strong emotional impact.

Full Review | Original Score: 7/10

The dramatized arc of one man's long, arduous but finally glorious and transformative journey across time reminds us of just how far America has come.

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/5

When the movie focuses on the free-wheeling, irreverent banter among the butlers, or takes us home with Gaines, it gets more interesting.

Full Review | Original Score: 6/10

A high-minded, didactic, but irresistible entertainment ...

Full Review

Whitaker's ever-observing, ever-expressive eyes tell the tale of how he actively processes, thinks, and feels even if outwardly he may appear as nothing more, as his job requires, than a virtually invisible bystander.

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/4

Good story about a White House butler but too episodic in order to get all Civil Rights events included.

Full Review | Original Score: 7/10

Daniels certainly flirts with greatness, and even if he doesn't quite get there -- except on occasion -- he's made a very worthy film.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5

Oprah Winfrey is great at everything. This is no news flash, but it's as apparent as ever when watching Lee Daniels' The Butler.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/4

Sometimes corn is good for you.

Full Review

Whitaker's steadfast performance as an ordinary man in extraordinary times is what makes 'The Butler' so special.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/4

Despite the awkward, narcissistic title and the oddity of seeing John Cusack playing Richard Nixon, Robin Williams as Dwight Eisenhower, Alan Rickman as Ronald Reagan and Jane Fonda as Nancy Reagan, this is a good film.

Full Review | Original Score: B

A film with its heart very clearly in the right place, and its imagination left behind in a locked root cellar.

Full Review | Original Score: 6/10

Forest Whitaker imbues his part with immense dignity and the old-age makeup is effective showcasing Cecil during his later years.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/4

The film is entertaining but awfully slender -- a light look at heavy history.

Full Review | Original Score: 2.5/4

It makes the most important American story of the 20th century personal and electrifying.

Full Review | Original Score: A minus

You realize it was released in the summer as an Oscar contender, because it won't be an Oscar contender in November.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/4

Whitaker stands astride "The Butler" as solid and unmoving as the Washington Monument.

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/4

Strong performances and a straight-forward script allows Lee Daniels' The Butler to solidly deliver on expectations.

Full Review | Original Score: 6/10