SELMA [2014]

Director Ava DuVernay's historical drama Selma depicts the 1965 march in Alabama led by Martin Luther King, Jr. to secure voting rights for the African-American community.
David Oyelowo does an excellent job as Dr. King with a strong and demanding presence but also channels a fragile side when needed.  Juggling the ugliness of the times and the stirring speeches without ever losing it's impact makes for some gripping cinema.  While it educates the viewer of time we shouldn't forget it never feels too dry or like we're being force-fed.  There's many films like this but it never hurts to be reminded, especially in this day and age, where many of the topics covered are sadly still quite relevant.

4 Nobel Peace Prizes out of 5

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