Butter movie review

MOVIE TITLE: Butter

This teen movie opens in theaters on February 25, 2022

RATING: PG-13

LENGTH: 1 hour 50 minutes

IN A NUTSHELL:

A lonely obese boy everyone calls “Butter” is about to make history. He is going to eat himself to death – live on the Internet – and everyone is invited to watch. When he first makes the announcement online to his classmates, Butter expects pity, insults, and possibly sheer indifference. What he gets are morbid cheerleaders rallying around his deadly plan. Yet as their dark encouragement grows, it begins to feel a lot like popularity. And that feels good. But what happens when Butter reaches his suicide deadline? Can he live with the fallout if he doesn’t go through with his plans?

The film was written and directed by Paul A. Kaufman, based on the book by Erin Jade Lange.

THINGS I LIKED:

Other than Mira Sorvino, I hadn’t seen any of the actors before. Alex Kersting, who plays “Butter” did a really great job. I hope we’ll be able to see him in more movies because he’s extremely likable and real.
You get to hear some great saxophone music. Two of my sons played it when they were in middle school. I love that music was illustrated as an effective tool to help teenagers (and anyone else for that matter!) derive emotional strength during trials.
I liked it when a group of buddies worked on a Bucket List together. I started my Bucket List back when I was a teenager.
It made me so sad and mad to see so many teenagers behaving so badly and treating one another in such atrocious ways. Teens who might be struggling with social media and how it affects their popularity should watch this.

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

Some scenes go on too long.
There is nothing subtle about the themes in this film.
There are some bad acting moments, but everyone seemed to be very earnest in their efforts.

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

Bullying
A teenager gets a tattoo
A boy flips the bird
A drunk girl pukes in a swimming pool
Teens drink a lot of alcohol
A girl slaps a guy and a guy hits another guy
Boys force a guy to eat an entire stick of butter

THEMES:

Obesity
Discrimination
Hope
Comfort food
Fake friends vs. true friends
Popularity
Peer pressure
Gossip
Suicide
Blame
Judging by appearances
Self-esteem
Supporting family friends with their weight loss goals
Discovering your talents

INTERESTING LINES:

“I ate to relieve my pain. I ate to forget.” – Butter (Alex Kersting)
“I need to be listened to.” – Butter (Alex Kersting)
“The possibilities were downright yummy.” – Butter (Alex Kersting)
“I didn’t want to die. I just wanted the unbearable pain to go away.” – Butter (Alex Kersting)
“Life can and will get better.” – Marian (Mira Sorvino)
“There is no shame in talking with someone to get help.” – Butter (Alex Kersting)