BUTTER (2011)

Genre: Drama/Comedy
Director: Jim Field Smith
Cast: Jennifer Garner, Ty Burrell, Olivia Wilde, Hugh Jackman, Alicia Silverstone, Ashley Greene, Yara Shahidi, Rob Corddry, Kristen Schaal, Phyllis Smith
Runtime: 1 hr 30 mins
Rating: M18 (Sexual Scenes & Coarse Language)
Released By: Golden Village Pictures
Official Website: http://www.facebook.com/ButterMovie

Opening Day: 1 November 2012

Synopsis: A tale of competition at its most cut-throat, Butter surveys the raw ambition of Laura Pickler (Jennifer Garner), the wife of Bob Pickler (Ty Burrell), Iowa's long-reigning champion butter carver. For 15 years, Laura has relished her high-profile role as the beautiful, loyal helpmate to her affable, artistically gifted husband. But when Bob is pressured to retire and allow someone else a chance at glory, an indignant Laura decides to enter the competition herself. She is first in line on sign-up day, only to see her odds of victory fall below with the arrival of an unlikely yet formidable contender: 10-year-old Destiny (Yara Shahidi), the African-American foster child of local couple Julie and Ethan (Alicia Silverstone and Rob Corddry). And that's not all. Bob's would-be mistress, bad-girl stripper Brooke (Olivia Wilde), also declares her candidacy, as does his #1 fan, Carol-Ann (Kristen Schaal). Facing three opponents, mocked by her stepdaughter Kaitlen (Ashley Greene) and furious with her husband, Laura resolves to do whatever it takes to win. And if that means resorting to sabotage--and recruiting her dim-witted former boyfriend Boyd (Hugh Jackman) as a co-conspirator--then so be it.

Movie Review:

This is probably unheard of in this part of the world: butter sculpturing. Imagine whipping up a swan or antelope (or any other animal for that matter) from the block of butter you purchased from your friendly neighbourhood supermarket – has that even crossed your mind? Apparently this is a rather common sight in the United States, where they are best known as attractions at state fairs. That probably sets the context of this comedy movie directed by Jim Field Smith (She’s Out of My League).

The story takes place in small town Iowa where an adopted girl (black, for a reason, of course) discovers her talent for butter carving. Before she knows it, she is facing strong competition as an ambitious local woman confronts her in their town’s annual butter carving contest. The pitting of wits between the two becomes the centre of attraction of this ensemble piece.

The first thing local audiences will feel is disconnect despite the filmmakers’ attempt at producing a satire that reflects America’s political scene. If one is sharp enough, references to Bill Clinton, Hilary Clinton and Barack Obama can be detected. Given the timeliness of the recent American elections, this movie should strike a bell with viewers, but it is most unfortunate that we aren’t the best target audiences when it comes to this genre.

What’s left then, is the ensemble cast which we are familiar with. Jennifer Garner (Ghosts of Girlfriends Past, The Invention of Lying) plays the competitive woman who will stop at nothing to retain her husband’s glory at the butter carving competition. She resorts to dirty tricks (which are sometimes hilarious, to be honest), but the effect of Garner’s attempts at comedy wears off after a while. Her husband is played by Ty Burrell (TV’s Modern Family), who does a decent job of portraying a man who has big dreams, but may not have the competencies to get there. Taking on the role of the likeable protagonist is Yara Shahidi (Salt, Imagine That), who manages to hold her own ground without being overshadowed by her more popular Hollywood counterparts. Elsewhere, supporting actors like Rob Corddry, Olivia Wilde and Ashley Greene deliver acceptable but unremarkable performances.

While the movie tries its best at being a satire, it doesn’t give it the best shot. As a serious drama, the dramatic elements come short. As a comedy, there are shortcomings which leave viewers wanting more. The filmmakers have also evidently tried their best to up the star factor by featuring Hugh Jackman and Alicia Silverstone in cameo roles, but they do not value add to the production except the occasional chuckle.

It is a waste of potential and talents then, because the premise of the screenplay by Jason Micallef does seem to promise lots of intelligent laughs, and the cast seems to put in their all to make the story work. Instead, what we get is a mediocre and probably unforgettable movie that is better suited for the goggle box at home.

Movie Rating:

(There is potential in this satire, but the half hearted production makes it mediocre)

Review by Fabian Foo