Report Card---"Lee Daniel's 'The Butler' ".

Now that the Academy has rolled over and played dead for a picture ennobling the Black Experience, this and the next post will deal with two films with similar themes that the Academy completely ignored.
Beginning with "Lee Daniel's 'The Butler' ".
You kind of know you're in some sort of trouble when you give a possessive credit in the title to a director you've never heard of.
Seems, what's the word, pretentious?
This pretty much sums up the film.
I disliked it less than I disliked "Twelve Years A Slave", a dead horse that I will continue to flog at any opportunity, but that's not saying much.
This "Butler" film is essentially two movies.
One follows the butler character as he serves various Presidents in a career in the White House spanning generations.
The other follows his son, who has morphed himself into an Eldridge Cleaver type.
It's difficult to determine which is less interesting.
They each give each other a run for their money.
I was a little less impartial to the Butler's story.

On to the scoring: 

Is it interesting?

On rare occasions.
C-.

Compelling even?

Never.
F.

Is it controversial?

It seems to strive for it, but it really isn't.
C-.

Is it a story worth telling?

I saw no need.
D.

Is it good storytelling?

It was told rather tediously.
C-.

Is it well written?

There wasn't much to work with, and the writing certainly didn't transcend it
C-.

Is it well cast? Well played?  Well shot?

I suppose all three.  That's the kindest thing I can say about it.
A.

Is it too long? Too short?

A little long.
B-.

Is it believable? Do you care about the characters?

I cared about the butler.  I didn't  care about his son.
B-.

Is it predictable? Does it surprise you?

You don't even think about it in those terms.
C-.

Do you think about it after you've seen it?

Not a bit.
D.

Is it funny?

Never.
F.

Would it have been worth the thirteen bucks it would have cost to see it in the movies?

Maybe if you're black.  Maybe.
C-.

Is it impressive ?

It didn't impress me.
C.

Overall grade: C-.

It was really just pageantry..
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Along with the newer ones, "The Man Is Dead", and "Report Cards".
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And now, we've got my reading of my "Laverne and Shirley Movie" screenplay on YouTube.

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