Butter - A Movie Review

You’ll be surprised what you can make out of butter.

Butter is a 2011 film. Competing in the Iowa butter sculpting competition, an over-achiever, a stripper, and a foster child learn what they’re capable of as they compete in their town’s annual contest.

I am so glad I discovered this film because Butter is an underrated gem. It’s not a perfect film, but I enjoyed Butter from start to finish. Focusing on a relatively unknown concept, the film explores the themes of competition and finding contentment in life.

Boasting a remarkable cast of actors, Butter shines brightly with Jennifer Garner as the fiercely competitive Laura. Garner was excellent as she deftly steps out of her usual kind-hearted roles to portray a very snippy, demanding, and conniving woman willing to do anything to get ahead.

Yara Shahidi delivers the standout performance of Butter. As Destiny, a young girl who has grown up in several foster homes, Shahidi brings a compelling mix of vulnerability and strength to the character. Destiny is a character to root for, especially for those in foster care.

Olivia Wilde had the best time working on this film, citing Brooke, the stripper as her favorite role. Preferring to flaunt her looks and seek attention, I had conflicting feelings concerning her involvement with an underage character implying that Brooke willingly engages in sexual favors to extract information. This segment of the film would have benefited from a more thoughtful and revised approach.

The characters are the most crucial elements of this film. I appreciated how the film utilized distinct storylines, adding depth and nuance to the film, and balancing the comedic moments with genuine emotion.

Kristen Schaal makes a memorable appearance with her cheery and energetic personality. I didn’t even recognize Hugh Jackman who plays a completely versatile role. Other credits include Ty Burrell, Bob Corddry, Ashley Greene, Alicia Silverstone, and Phyllis Smith.

A brilliant scene in Butter masterfully delves into the personalities of its characters through the distinct ways they enter a room, navigating a maze of security poles. Each character brings their own unique style and flair to their entrance, providing a captivating showcase of individuality.

The butter sculpting is one of the most unique components of the film. Using a lot of butter, several artistic statues were made like Harriet Tubman riding on a train. I want to know who created all these statues.

We can’t live without butter. Somehow, this film made it look so tasty in every scene it's used. I don’t know much about the craft of butter carving, but watching this film sparked my interest in joining one to see what I’d create.

This movie has fun being what it is. The screenplay is sharp and witty, filled with clever moments like the scene with Destiny and her foster dad listing all the possibilities that could go wrong. The film's pacing is consistent, and the comedic timing is impeccable, keeping the audience engaged.

The film's cinematography captures the small-town setting with warmth and nostalgia, immersing the audience in the unique atmosphere of the community. It manages to tackle serious issues with a lighthearted touch.

Jim Field Smith directed an outstanding film that contains many unique segments. It serves as a reminder of the power of an underdog story, the importance of challenging societal norms, and the potential for change, even in the unlikeliest of places.

How come we never see movies like this anymore? Butter is a film that deserves recognition for its originality and charm. Deserving more hype, I highly recommend that you find this film and watch it.