THE BUTLER [2013]

With it's huge cast of big names, politically historical subject material and more calculated dramatic moments you can shake your fist at, it seems Lee Daniels made The Butler to be scream "give me an Oscar".
Forest Whitaker turns in a well-rounded thoughtful performance as do all his co-stars but unfortunately the film itself seems to make all it's points with neon signs never really going for subtly or grace.  Uneven storytelling and predictability prevent it from becoming the timeless classic it wants to be.
It's not a bad film but after awhile you tire of it trying to be too good.

3 JFK neckties out of 5

THE PAPERBOY [2012]

With it's exploitative & lurid plot, large host of despicable characters and other-timely trashy fashion sense, Lee Daniels' The Paperboy is by all means the definition of "pulpfiction".

It's got a lot of layered, impressive performances, particularly Nicole Kidman, but for some reason Daniels seems to think he can carry a whole film on just that.  The story is nothing we've never seen before and gives us no reason to give any thought to the actions onscreen.  With it's numerous themes and conflicts bouncing around it might have tried to insert some warmth or heart into the story but instead it seems to find itself all too comfortable in the seediness of the world.  

2 gator guts out of 5