Two Line Reviews - #492

Movie: Lee Daniels' The Butler (2013)

Plot: Cecil Gaines works his way through to become the butler-in-chief at The White House & an account of the various important events to have occurred over the course of Eight Presidential terms he serves is presented, right from the place where the decisions were made, through the eyes and voice of The Presidents’ Butler. Also given is a peek on the characteristics of the Presidents who had held office over the Butler’s tenure.

What Works?

• Lee Daniels & Danny Strong have combined to present not just the story of a Butler ; They have used it to present a story on the US Presidents & their political decisions from a perspective viewers are not familiar with, and they have succeeded in narrating it in a bio-pic style
• Forest Whitaker comes up with an award worthy performance (It is a surprise why he didn’t get a nomination for it at the Oscars this year). The obedience, respect and loyalty to work his character shows is awe-inspiring
• Differing ideologies over generations & the change in Afro-American mindset over the years is presented in a gripping fashion through the characters of the Butler’s son played with fire by David Banner. Oprah Winfrey too wins our hearts with her respectable portrayal of Cecil’s wife
• The film’s costumes are worth a mention & a gradual transition in fashion as the years roll over is subtle yet observable
• The perspective based screenplay is aided by the sharp dialogues & the confrontation scene at the dinner in the Butler Home is the high point in the film

What Doesn't?

• The casting involves quite a few big names & not enough justice gets done to all of them
• Eight Presidential terms is too broad a timeframe to be loaded into a film & that shows with the shallow depth offered to most of the Presidents

Verdict:

The film is definitely worth a watch for the fresh point of view from which decisions made at the White House are discerned. Where it lacks a bit is the depth to which it goes into each of those events.

In a nutshell: Provides fresh angle to known history
 

Two Line Reviews - #427

Movie: Platoon (1986)

Plot: The Charlie Regiment in Vietnam War has more than the NVA opponents to handle. The film traces the travails of the Nam Soldiers and how a difference and division in opinion can cause havoc even within a regiment supposed to be united to save each others' lives!

What Works?

• There have been many films on Nam. Every one of them deals with different aspects of the war! In terms of showing the torn inner psyche of warriors, this Oliver Stone venture pips others in style.
• The casting is fine. Seeing Charlie Sheen, Whitaker and Depp in their youth is a pleasure.
• The character of Elias is heroic and earns respect. If not for the polar opposite characterisation of Barnes, Elias would never have looked that way. Beauty of creating superb contrasting characters!
• The massacre at the village is one terrific scene for the decade!
• The background score and camera work are of grand quality. Dialogues arouse at certain important moments!

Soldier's psyche - Intensely captured!

Two Line Reviews - #275

Movie: The Great Debaters (2007)

Plot: A black American professor who fights for the cause of his race, is also determined in preparing a top-notch debate team from his all-blacks Wiley College. They steamroll past the other black colleges & get invited for a debate at the Harvard School. Meanwhile, the prof gets legally entangled for his rebellious ways; The debate team, devoid of its coach prof, challenges the best & triumphs!

Highlights:

• Denzel Washington's role in the film - be it his direction or his terrific scree-presence - is a huge plus for this morally noble movie.
• The debate team members fit in their roles to perfection & deliver dialogues with aplomb. Forest Whitaker & other minor role players too sparkle in their limited time on-screen.
• The camera work is of superior quality & there are some fine praiseworthy experimental angles adopted.

A true story on the Black Upliftment - Inspiring stuff!