Butter (2022) User Reviews

fed up

[ferguson-6 · 6/10 · 24 February 2022]

Greetings again from the darkness. Being a high school kid has always been challenging, and today's added pressures of social media makes being an outlier almost unbearable at times. Writer-director Paul A Kaufman (in his feature film directing debut) has adapted the 2012 novel by Erin Jade Lange into a film that tackles several emotional hurdles, some of which are downright devastating.

Marshall (an excellent Alex Kirsting) is a morbidly obese high school student. He plays a mean jazz saxophone, yet yearns to be heard, seen, and accepted as a person, rather than as a target for the bullies who call him "Butter". He weighs in at 423 pounds at the dietician's office, and he's catfishing Anna (McKaley Miller), his secret crush at school. Online, he's posing as JP, a soccer star at a private school, and Anna confides secrets so that he can provide sage advice. At home, his mother (Mira Sorvino) enables him with her 'food art', while his dad (Brian Van Holt) barely acknowledges the presence of his fat son.

There are no heroes in this story, and despite being partially described as a comedy, this is in fact a dark commentary on how people behave. Butter is so fed up (unintended pun) and desperate to be seen, he devises a plan to go out with a bang. He creates a website and announces online that he will literally eat himself to death. Yep, suicide by smorgasbord at midnight on New Year's Eve via live webcast. The reaction of his fellow students catches him off guard. Butter becomes popular overnight. People talk to him ... while at the same time placing bets and serving up menu suggestions for the final feast.

Butter also provides the narration to his own story, and along the way we meet his doctors played by Ravi Patel and Annabeth Gish, and a supportive teacher played by Mykelti Williamson who encourages Butter to expand his musical talents. We note how attitudes change once communication and interactions replace withdrawal and ignoring. Some of the heavy topics handled here include bullying, suicide, depression, eating disorders, low self-esteem, a lack of empathy and compassion, and body-shaming. It's interesting to watch as the classmates and Butter get to know each other, how Anna shows there is more to her than a pretty face, and how Butter's parents seem oblivious to their son's internalized feelings. The film does get a little preachy near the end, but for the most part, it's a pretty effective look at what it's like being an outcast.

In theaters February 25, 2022.

Butter's Final Meal Review

[stevendbeard · 6/10 · 27 February 2022]

I saw Butter, starring Mira Sorvino-Stuber, The Replacement Killers; Brian Van Holt-Deputy_tv, Cougar Town_tv; McKaley Miller-Ma, Unfollowed and Alex Kersting-Stoneheart_tv, Drug Z.

This is a teen suicide/dangers of the internet movie. There is even a message at the end stating something to the effect of showing a place and phone number to contact if you know someone with suicidal tendencies. Alex plays a teenage high school kid that is obese-he weighs in at around 440 pounds. He is bullied at school and has no friends but he plays a mean saxophone. He likes a pretty classmate, McKaley, and he decides to befriend her on line-using an alias-saying he goes to school in another town. Mira and Brian are Alex's parents. Frustrated-Alex doesn't think he has a chance if McKaley ever saw him in person-Alex decides to eat himself to death, live on the internet on New Year's Eve. Unbelievably, this makes him popular at school and kids start talking to him and about his stunt. Some think he won't do it and others are hoping that he will. Will he or won't he, and how can he back out if he changes his mind? Should he confess to McKaley his identity? All questions are answered.

It's rated PG-13 for thematic content including suicide, language, drinking and sexual content-no nudity-and has a running time of 1 hour & 50 minutes.

It's not one that I would buy on DVD but if you are interested in the subject matter, it would be a good rental.

Has spoilers, so read before watching.

[wingthwong · 6/10 · 30 March 2024]

Yes, there are spoilers, but I have to speak about the subject matter. I watched this with my wife and two daughters. I wish my 20 year old son could have been home to watch this with the family. He and my almost 19 year old daughter had a friend in school who committed suicide due to bullying from her legal guardian, her aunt (father's sister), who was a special education teacher at their school. Her mother had died when she was young, and her father didn't want her around. A straight A student, she was shy at school, but she had her friends in theater and choir, the only place where she could come out of her shell. This needless loss of life was not committed on social media as the attempt was shown here, but the reaction and aftermath of an attempted or actual suicide in a school setting like this has a much more devastating emotional reaction than the one in this movie. This is my reason for only a 6. It just did not show the stark realism, maybe because the actors couldn't pull off that level of realism or because the producers wanted to keep it pg13.

As for bullying and abuse as children: for those that say they have never seen it, like one reviewer stated here, you either were home schooled or are lying. Then, growing up, children are either the victims of bullying, the bully, or the one who stands up for the bully and gets the bullying stopped. The ones that stand by are just as bad as the bullies. Children have mouths. They can at least report bullying. No, they are not snitches. Suicide is the ultimate death. It can be prevented.

This subject, I'll not go deeper into, but between my wife and I, we are qualified in the storyline. This was less traumatic than our childhoods growing up in a very hostile and religious setting. And my two oldest, at least, championed at their school for antibullying. They obviously couldn't prevent it all on their own, but they did their best. My youngest hasn't gotten to that age yet.

So, as you can tell, this is about bullying, self doubt, and the consequences, to the point of attempting to or actually commiting suicide.

Alex Kersting plays the main character "Butter". He is an obese teen with an overprotective and overindulging mom at home and an indifferent dad. He is a not totally unpopular kid at school. He has friends in his group.

Alex is the main reason I only gave this a 6 instead of a 10. He just doesn't have the ability to act the part he's given. He may have personal issues with weight in real life, but I doubt he has ever been the victim of any real bullying. When he is supposed to cry, his attempts are laughable and as fake as his attempts to play that saxophone he's supposed to be so good at. My son and I both play the saxophone. My son was in a jazz band. This was a main part of this movie as well, so I have to review it. Fingers didn't even come close and his embouchure was too far off. If Alex were to be able to play that saxophone that well in real life, he wouldn't be in movies, he would be a professional musician because his character's supposed level of expertise is far better than his acting ability. Also, as he stated, he wanted to stay in good enough shape, so that he didn't get out of breath because playing the saxophone was all that mattered. Another mess. You can't blow that hard and that long and even remotely think of getting out of breath. Totally unconvincing.

The other reason for the 6 is that in the end, the reactions and consequences are a bit underplayed.

I figure it has to stay pg13 and end on a good note, no pun intended. If it had been closer to real, my wife and oldest daughter would have been bawling instead of having dry eyes at the end.

As for the 6 stars. This movie did a decent job in showing bullying, self image, overindulgence, self confidence, and suicide. It shows the newest form of bullying, at that; cyberbullying.

The story, the directing, and much of the acting are spot on. You know who the main bully is. No matter what happens, he will always be a bully for the rest of his life. That's just who he is. Then, there's the victim. He will most always remain the victim. Even when he tries to abandon that position, if there's a bully, he'll always be the victim. Those in school that are bullied and make it aren't victims. They abide their time and ultimately overcome their oppressors in the long run.

Then there's the stand by and enabler groups. They see it and just stand by and do nothing or advance the problem to the breaking point. These were all played fairly well.

I believe this movie could have been every bit of a 10 if only they could have found a real actor to play the main character, one who could convey emotion and realism, one who could draw you into every aspect of his life.

And then there were the less than real emotions and underwhelming consequences at the end. This could have still been pg13 and shown the stark realism of attemped or actual suicide and bullying. It could have shown the gut wrenching emotion and the harsh consequences of both. The children watching that video, no matter how old, how supposedly jaded, no matter how tough, even the bully, would have been freaking out and bawling. There would have been more noise, reaction, something. Come on, they are watching a suicide attempt of someone they know. This isn't a police brutality video, where the people are standing around with their cellphones trying to video the injustice. Those people are just as bad as the cops. They are void of anything moral. If they really cared, they would have saved the person getting murdered by the police. These are supposedly kids that still have moral value.

Butter, you aren't a poor kid in a hospital bed being fed by your mommy who can't let you feed yourself with a plastic fork and knife because of your suicide attempt. You'll more than likely be in a lock down facility or handcuffed to a bariatric bed, due to your size. Maybe even strapped down for a few days, because you wouldn't be receiving food orally. You would be receiving fluids and nutrients through an IV while you were in the coma. You would still be using that as a source of sustenance after you wake up, and since it would be in your arm, you would have to be strapped down due to your suicide attempt so that you don't try to rip out the IV. ALL SUICIDE ATTEMPTS ARE TREATED THE SAME pertaining to an IV. Also, with your size, you could still harm yourself, medical personnel or police or emergency personnel. Then you would be a 5150 until you have finished evaluation and mental treatment.

So much wrong with the ending. But, I digress. It had to fit in a certain time frame, and it had to hold the audience without scaring them away from the true nature of bullying and suicide. That's also why I didn't give it a lower rating for delving into unbelievably happy endings.

Watch this for the story that tries, I say tries, to be honest, the rest of the cast that are somewhat more believable than the main character, and enjoy that it had a better happy ending than what is reality.

Good Intentions, Poor Execution

[jaeelbooks · 3/10 · 30 October 2022]

Butter is a film with good intentions but a very poor execution. After nearly killing himself with food via webcam, Butter becomes beloved and accepted by all, calling his survival a 'do-over.' The lesson this teaches people is to do the worst to yourself because if you live, you'll get another chance and everyone will like you. This way of thinking is dangerous to those with body issues and who have been bullied. The entire last fifteen minutes or so are nice and tidy where everything works out like a oblivious fantasy. Butter is unrealistic and misses an opportunity to make a true statement.

Genuinely traumatised me?

[gravityfalls-28195 · 3/10 · 29 August 2022]

I don't know what to say other than this movie genuinely traumatised me and I haven't been able to eat a proper meal in four days and I am starving but I can't eat anything, so thank you for doing this to me I guess.

Every time I chew, I think of this movie. This movie may have messed me up. I'm an empathy vomiter/gagger so maybe I shouldn't have watched it but me and my dad wanted to mess around but now every time I pick up a fork or spoon I just think of the scene where they pin him down and force-feed him the butter or when he's gorging himself to death. During the butter scene, I actually had to leave the room because I almost genuinely threw up.

I will admit: the way they shot both of these scenes, it's so disgustingly real, and I do like that, and I think Butter's actor was genuinely talented, I liked all the sax stuff, but other than that the movie is just weird. His bullies do suddenly just begin liking him because he wants to commit suicide, but then suddenly they go back on that later on, say they wish the best for him? It just doesn't feel right.

Just feels like a terrible message for teenagers. Like, yes, try to commit suicide and when you wake up in the hospital, most of your problems will suddenly solve themselves. The girl will start liking you if you try to die, which is basically what happened. No way. This is bad.

Either way, thank you for the semi-entertaining bad movie binge. This movie has been my biggest inside joke for the past few days, but also I can't get through a proper meal, so I'm not sure if I'm really winning or not.

Realistic

[nannilo · 8/10 · 15 September 2023]

Finally a more realistic teen movie. I love the genre, but in this film the themes of suicide, obesity, internal conflicts, lies on the internet are addressed in a way that is closer to reality. I really appreciated that at the end of the film the typical "cute girl" from a teen movie doesn't fall in love with the protagonist. Normally these films would end with her ultimately stopping him from attempting suicide and finding herself in love. Unfortunately, reality is almost never like this and even though he almost died, she still doesn't reciprocate his feelings. Unfortunately, many young people experience internal conflicts and have suicidal thoughts. Films like this can help in some way. Or at least, I'd like it to be that way.

I can't believe the rating is only 5.5

[arod_85 · 8/10 · 6 June 2022]

This movie isn't your Hollywood definition of a blockbuster or hit movie. However, it was such a good movie that i am shocked the reviews are so low! It handled delicate subject material respectfully tastefully in my opinion while managing to give a good message that is realistic. It's okay not to be the most popular in school or date the hottest girls because everyones life has worth. It's a good lesson for teens on both sides of the spectrum, the bully and the bullied. I would have given it a ten if not for the last 15 minutes that I thought they could have done more with. Would have loved for Trey and Parker to talk to "Butter" directly instead of through email. I truly think this movie should be shown in every middle school and high school. The actor who played Butter was nothing short of amazing!

Butter

[d3afb0y · 10/10 · 18 March 2022]

I was interesting about independent movie. I love this movie so far. Alex is pretty good actor to play Butter. I can relate his feeling and how he has been through and what people doesn't see either notice till something happened and got noticed. It kinda bother me how people treat and think real friends and stuff but they are not real till they have to show real side and show who they are (believe it or not, I'm deaf and i don't have real friends mostly fake friends they only care what they see/think) I just don't understand people but Movies are my life.

Awesome

[longoni-52354 · 10/10 · 25 February 2022]

My friend wrote the book. It's phenomenal. It's an important subject for teens to watch and read on as bullying is getting worse and worse. I urge you to read the other books Erin has written as each book is captivating. Dead Ends is great. Online bullying has ruined so many young Children's lives. This movie is great.

Finally - a solid movie for young adults

[lollyseidenfeld · 10/10 · 9 February 2022]

Butter fills the void of movies with a message for young adults. It's intelligent and engaging for adults too. Everyone should be on board to keep this movie in theaters long enough for organizations, groups and schools to catch on and advocate for this important gem of a film. Don't wait - go and see it!

What's Up with the Soundtrack??

[tubes515085 · 10/10 · 17 September 2023]

Great Movie and even better soundtrack.

Hey guys - The scene where Butters friends take him out .

At one point you see them line dancing - Cowboy country style .

But the song playing is far from country !!

Sounds like Zeppelin!!

" All I wanted to say..... You're gonna miss me when I'm gone ".... ( something like that ).

Who is That ??????

Also - another fun little tune I heard in the movie ... The scene after the Christmas scene , Butter is taking to his friend .

Then you see him in a supermarket loading up supplies .

The lyrics are like " Well On That Street /You bought your scar - from my way down / Had my Fortune Told .... And that Green Eyed Gypsy / Oh so shakes me / She says that the Pain is what makes me - Whole ".... Oh such a cool little tune !!

Who sings that ???

I'm on a mission .

Again - Great movie - I wish I could be a vigilante and deliver Justice to all who have been bullied !!

Tears me apart !!

I don't get it !!

I grew up with a bunch of A Holes and went to school for 12 years and I never ever noticed or knew of anyone being bullied .

But then again - I grew up without social media .

That's a real Be Otch !!

But still - people were still bullied back then .

Never around me though .

Or even my friends who went to other schools .

Trust me - If I did see anything like that - a boy or girl being bullied , it would end fast !!

I'm that type of guy .

I always stick up for the underdog .

Everyone should !!

a strong film for bullied kids

[adriannarvaeznv · 9/10 · 28 February 2022]

Butter is a film about being bullied and bullying yourself. You can feel the pain of being bullied when you see how he gets his name and how he beats himself up. His only happiness is when playing the saxophone. His interactions with classmates changes when decides to have his "final meal" on New Years Eve. A pivotal and intense scene that will bring you to tears.

Great Movie with no long Boring Spots!

[CountyLine491 · 8/10 · 31 August 2022]

I'm not going to explain the plot because it's been done in other reviews. I want to say that Butter kept my attention through the whole movie. It was interesting to watch. Very few movies keep my attention nowadays, but this one truly had me enthralled. I'm usually a crime and horror fan but wanted something different tonight. I'm happy I picked this movie. The scenario is very different from your run of the mill movies. The star in it was so unique that I couldn't look away. ......,...................,.....................................................................

..........................................................

FANTASTIC!

[Danaolita · 10/10 · 1 February 2022]

Butter is amazing film. The story is impactful and important. The technical quality is excellent. I can't wait to see this again! Highly recommend for all ages.

Butter is the best

[youngbooty · 10/10 · 21 June 2022]

Bullying is and always has been the worst but with social media it is absolutely devastating now this movie shows exactly how a person feels that is being bullied and being judged for how they look and not 4 the awesome guy that he actually was!!!!! It turned out to be an awesome watch with some real heartfelt moments and definitely some awesome Saxophone playing!!

BUTTER

[hotwheelerd-52603 · 10/10 · 12 November 2023]

A must watch film. I came across this Film the other night. At first I was like ok it will probably be really cheassy and Corny. No it is a must watch film. It is a young man in High School going threw alot of head problems. He put on the Internet he was going to EAT HIMSELF TO DEATH ON NEW YEARS EVE. A few dudes see it on the Facebook or were ever it was and said who cool it was. Let's become friends we will have all the kids get excited about the day you kill yourself. He became friends with them and the whole time the teens were like he is ONLY saying those things for attention. But got really upset when they find out the real truth about the teen they fell in Love with when he really tried to COMMIT SUCIDE. It is crazy what is going on with kids these days. This teen he can even play the Saz like a Professional.

Fat kid gets bullied!!!!

[pagettsgadgets · 8/10 · 11 May 2022]

We all know the story a fat kid gets picked on the end.

This looks at the story from a different angle, one which shows the effect of bullying and the consequences that bullying takes.

Butter Alex is having a torrid really tough time at school so decided build a website where on NYE will eat himself to death in front of a live audience on the internet.

As soon as he announced the site people befriend him, he now begins to realise life is worth living, he catfishes the pretty girl and gets closer to the in crowd.

Life is now worth living and he loses weight, oh did I not mention this kid is 30 stone 424 pounds.

So he is also an amazing saxophone player and writes a song for his love, then it goes wrong when he reveals himself, she slaps him.

He goes home to eat himself to death using foods that his allergic to the screen goes blank.

Watch this film with your kids

Bullying is not clever.