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Butter Blu-ray Review

“Butter” isn’t as bad as some critics have led you to believe, but I wouldn’t say it’s good either.

Bob Pickler, who is an Iowa State Fair butter carving contest legend, has been asked to step down from the contest because he is such a dominating winner. While not exactly happy about the decision, Bob decides to do so. Bob’s wife Laura, however, is not so pleased as she has enjoyed being a trophy wife of sorts. Wanting the spotlight to continue to shine on her, the snobby, bitchy, overly cheerful Laura decides to enter the contest even though she has no prior carving work. Unsurprisingly, she turns out to be an impressive carver but she has to contend with a foster child (Destiny) who is an extremely skilled butter sculpter. Showing no mercy for her competition, Laura cheats her way to the top with plenty of backstabbing and lies. Can Laura win or will it even matter in the end?

A film about a butter carving contest might not sound exciting on paper, but the story is told in a similar fashion to most comedic competition film. It’s fast paced comedy that is sometimes schmaltzy and raunchy, but it also predictably has heart. Of course, you can expect plenty of underdog and villain clichés, Midwest stereotypes, and some overdone political motifs. In other words, the story is nothing new.

The only reason “Butter” is made watchable is because of the all-star cast that features Jennifer Garner, Hugh Jackman, Olivia Wilde, Alicia Silverstone, Ty Burrell, Yara Shahidi, Rob Corddry, Ashley Greene, and Kristen Schaal. While the entire cast does a fine job with their roles, Olivia Wilde completely steals the show as a feisty stripper. Her character may feel like a throwaway side story at times, but she livens up every scene she is in. Plus, it’s nice to see Wilde taking on a role that shows her acting range.

Video/Audio:

The film, which is presented in 2.35:1 1080p, looks as sharp as you’d expect a new release to look. No issues here.

The 5.1 DTS-HD MA audio track, on the other hand, is a bit soft. Granted, this isn’t exactly an audio heavy film, but I expected a bit more.

Extras include a DVD copy, 6 deleted/extended scenes, Anchor Bay and Weinstein Company trailers, and a chuckle worthy gag reel.

Summary: You can do worse than watch “Butter.” It’s nothing special by any means, but it’s watchable enough for a rental.

January 20, 2013 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | Ashley Greene, Butter Blu-ray Review, Hugh Jackman, Jennifer Garner, Olivia WIlde, Rob Corddry, Ty Burrell