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Here's a look at the new movies I saw this week.

The Butler
Starring: Forest Whitaker, Oprah Winfrey, David Oyelowo, Alan Rickman, Robin Williams, James Marsden, Jane Fonda, John Cusack, Liev Schreiber, Cuba Gooding, Jr., and Lenny Kravitz
Synopsis: In 2009, director Lee Daniels delivered a hauntingly beautiful story of courage and overcoming long odds with “Precious.” It was a powerful story that earned a number of award nominations. Though different in style, tone and story, Daniels has once again delivered a powerful story with “The Butler.” The film takes a hard look at the struggles of African Americans to gain respect, rights and equality. And it presents it all through the eyes of a butler working at the White House. Part “Do The Right Thing” and part “Forrest Gump,” the film has a style and pacing all its own. Though it’s only mid-August, the arrival of “The Butler” signals a move to awards season. One of the fun aspects of “Forrest Gump” was the way it interwove historical events into the narrative of the film. The audience got to experience history through Gump’s eyes. It was a unique exploration of the time period. “The Butler” works in a similar way. Through Cecil and his son, Louis, the audience gets an exploration of historical events through a unique perspective. This is a historical story that hasn’t been seen through this lens a lot. That being said, one of the drawbacks of covering a story that goes from 1926 through 2008 is that you have to move through many major historical milestones in a hurry. What anchors the film is some great performances. Whitaker, an Academy Award winner, delivers a compelling performance in the lead role. He is the eyes through which the story is told, and he’s what holds the narrative together. The film also features some strong supporting performances. Now we think of Winfrey as a celebrated talk show host and personality, but she is also a good actress. Winfrey delivers a solid performance as Cecil’s wife, going through a range of emotions and dealing with a range of issues. She brings a mix of drama and humor to the role. Oyelowo also does a good job as Louis. He helps carry the exploration of history and the tumult of the times outside the White House walls. He goes through a variety of historical movements, and does it all well. The film also boasts an impressive roster of actors playing presidents. Williams, Rickman, Marsden, Schriber and Cusack all help bring history to life. A number of other performers — including Kravitz and Gooding, Jr. — help play supporting roles as other members of the White House staff. “The Butler” is an ensemble piece that never shies away from difficult periods in our country’s history. It presents a unique perspective on historical events while telling the story of a man who rose above his rough up bringing to serve at the White House with dignity, honor and distinction.
Rating: PG-13 for some violence and disturbing images, language, sexual material, thematic elements and smoking.
Verdict: Three stars out of four.

Fruitvale Station

Starring: Michael B. Jordan, Melonie Diaz, and Octavia Spencer

Synopsis: "Fruitvale Station" is a small, independent film that tells the true story of Oscar Grant III (Jordan), and the last day of his short life. I wrote about the issues, themes, and why I was moved by this story last week, so I won't rehash that here. I will say this is one of the best movies I've seen so far this year. Jordan is a great talent. I will never forget his work on "The Wire," and the emotional response that came after his arc on that show ended in the 12th episode of the first season. He has done good work, and a variety of roles, in other project since then — including "Friday Night Lights," "Parenthood," and "Chronicle."This is a beautifully told story about people. Not perfect people, just people. Jordan does a lot of the heavy lifting, but there are some great supporting performances as well. Diaz is great in her role and Spencer, an Academy Award winner for "The Help," delivers a beautiful performance as Grant's mother. This is a moving, emotional story that is done very well.

Rating: R for some violence, language throughout and some drug use.

Verdict: Four stars out of four.

Upcoming Releases:

Friday, August 23 — "The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones," "The World's End," "You're Next," "Grandmaster"

Wednesday, August 28 — "Closed Circuit"

Friday, August 30 — "Getaway," "One Direction: This Is Us," "Random"