Snitch

Snitch stars Dwayne Johnson and from the cover, trailer, and typical filmography of Johnson, one may easily think that it's just another typical action movie.  But you couldn't be further from the truth.  That's not to say that it doesn't contain it's fair share of action.  It does, but it's very appropriate action to the story.  But more importantly, it's a crime drama about a father willing to put his life at risk by going undercover to save his son from an unfair drug sentence.  That rather unbelievable premise being my only critique, is quickly disseminated by the rest of the compelling story and performances.  A modest exploration and commentary into the world of drug smuggling and the current legal policy in the U.S., also lend it a certain authentic weight. That said, it's surprisingly good and Johnson gives an honest performance that calls on more than just good looks and muscles for a change.  So, if you prefer it's an "action" movie with substance and authenticity, not unlike Mark Walhberg's Contraband that harks back to this recent and refreshing trend of action movies driven by character and story while minimizing or eliminating special effects, cgi, and other Hollywood gimicks.  Further supplementing the solidity of Snitch, are excellent performances in the supporting cast that include Barry Pepper, Susan Sarandon, Jon Bernthal, and Michael Kenneth Williams. 

The Butler

A surefire Oscar contender this year in numerous categories is Lee Daniel's The Butler, a movie that chronicles the life of African-American Presidential butler Cecil Allen (played superbly by Forest Whitaker) and inspired from the real life of Eugene Allen.  I knew this film would be good, but wasn't expecting just how much. It is a genuinely authentic and instant American classic that I believe is garnished with pure unapologetic truth and humility from all of the outstanding participants. What is truly remarkable about the film is that with a greatly talented all-star ensemble of actors in Whitaker, Oprah Winfrey (whose acting ability has developed immensely), David Oyelowo, Terrence Howard, Robin Williams, Cuba Gooding, Jr., Jane Fonda, Liev Schreiber, and Alan Rickman among a who's who of many other notable performers; the immense star power of talent that is contained in The Butler never take away from the focus of the film's powerful story.  From the Eisenhower administration in the backdrop of the Jim Crow and emerging Civil Rights era  to the present Obama administration where racial inequality is still being carried out, the life of Cecil Allen is a story for every American of every generation to not forget where we come from, the tragic cost and sacrifices ensued , and the present day honesty or denial that fault us all in acknowledging and overcoming ourselves.  I give immense credit to director Lee Daniels and writer Danny Strong for doing an exceptionally well job at conveying the important theme of how the life of a Black domestic was just as relevant and noteworthy in the fight for civil rights, as anything from seemingly more pro-active figures like a Black Panther militant, peaceful protester, social activist, congressman, or even a President.  In addition, all of that is magnificently balanced by just the right amount of converging storylines and relevantly, well developed supporting characters, and humour to offset the thematic weight.