The Butler‘s “hook” is the opportunity to see how the dynamics within The White House changed from administration to administration over the course of the second half of the 20th century. While there’s some of that, it’s not where the movie’s heart lies. It’s when Daniels takes us out of the rarefied atmosphere of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue and into the trenches of segregation (and integration) that the film catches fire. That’s the reason to see The Butler — not to cringe at John Cusack’s bizarre turn as Richard Nixon. — James Berardinelli