KANSAS CITY, MO —
**LEE DANIELS’ THE BUTLER (PG-13)**
SHAWN
“The Butler” is a sprawling, emotionally powerful and sometimes generic look at the Civil Rights Movement.
RUSS: An all-star cast lends credibility and heart to a somewhat contrived but ultimately moving story.
SHAWN
The central figure is Cecil Gaines, a butler who worked at the White House for more than 30 years at the height of the country’s most turbulent era.
RUSS: This fictionalized account works better than it should thanks to the cast and handsome production.
SHAWN
Forest Whitaker is spectacular. Frequently excelling above the sometimes-clunky script and lazy direction.
RUSS: It may be corny, but it still packs an affecting punch.
SHAWN
But despite The Butlers’ flaws it’s a monumental masterpiece. One of the best movies of the year. And seriously important.
SHAWN: 4 Popcorn Bags
RUSS: 4 Popcorn Bags
**KICK-A** 2 (R)**
RUSS: “Mean Girls” meets “Batman” in this decadent, ultra-violent and foul-mouthed and crudely titled comic book sequel.
SHAWN
Everything about “Kick A 2” is socially irresponsible. All cartoon violence is not funny.
RUSS
It has its moments, but reaches the point of diminishing returns early on.
SHAWN
It’s also a serious stepchild when compared to the first. Missing the profane charm, sinister edge and geeky campiness that made the first a cult classic.
SHAWN: 2 Popcorn Bags
RUSS: 2 Popcorn Bags
**jOBS (PG-13)**
RUSS: “jOBS,” the biopic about Apple founder Steve Jobs, is respectable and sincere, but never compelling.
SHAWN
More fascinating than entertaining. Ashton Kutcher does well.
RUSS: Such a forceful figure deserves a more forceful movie.
SHAWN
The style and approach of this biopic come across a bit too trippy and hippie preachy. No “Social Network.”
RUSS: 3 Popcorn Bags
SHAWN: 3 Popcorn Bags
**THE HUNT (R)**
RUSS
“The Hunt” is an excellent Danish film that depicts a nightmare scenario. Mads Mikkelsen from TV’s “Hannibal” stars as a teacher who’s falsely accused of sexually abusing a child. Thomas Vinterberg’s gripping movie shows that good intentions, when fueled by fear, can lead to injustice.
RUSS: 4 Popcorn Bags
**BLACKFISH (PG-13)
RUSS
“Blackfish” is a grim and disturbing documentary about killer whales that are used for entertainment at venues like Seaworld. It covers a series of events, some fatal, where orcas have attacked their trainers. It’s an earnest and thoughtful film that makes the case that these huge creatures shouldn’t be confined for life in tiny amusement park pools.
RUSS: 4 Popcorn Bags
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