Forest Whitaker
PICKS OF THE WEEK
“The Butler” (PG-13) — This historical drama draws on the true story of the butler who served under eight American presidents and witnessed enormous social changes from the windows of the White House. Forest Whitaker plays the fictionalized butler who exchanges measured dialog with presidents from Dwight D. Eisenhower (Robin Williams) to Ronald Reagan (Alan Rickman). Oprah Winfrey plays the butler’s wife, his connection to the frustration of the people outside the White House.
Director Lee Daniels puts a soft-toned style on the whole story, making some of the conflicts feel softened. Although the casting decisions for the various presidents can get distracting at times, it’s still an entertaining and thoughtful look at the human beings behind history.
“Enough Said” — Eva (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) is a masseuse and a single mom stressing about her daughter’s imminent departure for college. At the same garden party, she befriends elegant poet Marianne (Catherine Keener), and Albert (James Gandolfini), who also is anxious over his outbound daughter. As she falls for adorable Albert, Eva becomes confidantes with Marianne — who gripes about her ex-husband incessantly. Eva doesn’t realize the annoying Neanderthal described by Marianne is actually the charming goof she’s in love with.
The leads have an easy chemistry, which makes you root for them even more as the cracks and dysfunctions start to form in their relationship. The movie cuts a fine balance between romantic comedy and introspective drama.
“20 Feet from Stardom” (PG-13) — Through all of Motown, Rock ’n’ Roll and R&B, the powerful back-up singers provided the extra lift that makes hits into memorable classics. This documentary focuses on the backup singers who have worked with the top names in music, across decades and across genres. It’s an important perspective for any music fan to consider. A series of superstars tell their stories about making hit records with these talented women who received little or no credit. Bruce Springsteen takes a sympathetic tone in his interview. As he puts it, it’s a long walk from one part of the stage to the other.
“Fruitvale Station” (R) — In the 24 hours before his death, Oscar Grant III tried to get a head start on his new year’s resolutions. He tries to do right by his mother, his girlfriend and his daughter. Michael B. Jordan plays the 22-year-old Oakland native who was shot by police on New Year’s Day, 2009. The movie opens with cellphone camera video of the incident in the Bay area’s Fruitvale Station, where Grant was thrown on the ground and shot in the back after being accused of starting a fight in a metro train. The film has been drawing awards like a magnet with its praise for powerful performances.
TV RELEASES
“Top Gear 20”
“Yu-Gi-Oh! Classic: Season 3”
“Red Metal: Copper Country Strike of 1913”
“Nova: Making Stuff 2”
“Kavanagh Q.C. Complete Collector’s Edition”
© 2013 King Features Synd., Inc.