Welcome to the Film Pie! Brisbane based film critic Matt Toomey has reviewed thousands of movies since 1996. See what's out now, or browse the review archive.

The Butler (out Oct 31) has a few nice scenes but it's trying to squeeze too many subplots into 2 hours. As the closing credits rolled, I felt I'd watched a rushed chronology of events than an engaging, character-driven story (such as The Help). Thumbs up to make-up artists though - they did an outstanding job. Grade: B-.