Lila & Eve
So It Turns Out Jennifer Lopez Can Act.
7/10 To my own surprise, I have to say I was impressed with Jennifer Lopez's performance. Having seen most of her movies, I was convinced that she was one of the lousiest actresses around. I thought she was completely hopeless. She is so one-dimensional in all of her movies, that I was sure she is simply not capable of portraying anyone other than herself. So, compared to her other movies, this is, thus far, her finest performance, I think.
The movie is not perfect; I thought the whole story was a bit underdeveloped and rushed, but it's watchable. It is not exactly the quality I'd expect from a Hollywood thriller; it has the feel of a made-for-TV flick.
The twist was the highlight of the movie. Didn't see it coming. Nice one.
Worth a look. Like I said, it was interesting to discover that Jennifer Lopez is not entirely talentless after all.
Conflicted but interested
8/10 The film may not work on every level but it allows the viewer to decide who is right and who is wrong - if either one even matters. Directed with a deft hand by Charles Stone III(Drumline) from a first time screenplay by Patrick Gilfillan. With strong performances by the entire cast, especially Viola Davis who is also one of the Producers. This movie is going to upset people, which is probably part of the intention. Vigilante violence, but substitute angry white males with angry black mothers. Are the actions believable - just - unacceptable? There are many twists that elevate this above the usual vigilante film: Do mothers have a right to avenge a child's death when the system of justice breaks down ; Are support groups, religion, family, sufficient to comfort those grieving over slain family members ; When bad folks are killed are their mothers any less deserving of sympathy? Some of the action may be hard to believe - Viola is an excellent shot and knows how to rig explosives. It's an entertaining, thought provoking film, which deserves better reviews than the critics are giving it.
Good movie with a twist
5/10 OK, I do have a possible spoiler, but only if you know the other film and make the connection.
Firstly, Jennifer Lopez has always been a decent actor, but she obviously has been getting better. She plays a very good supporting role here, not Oscar worthy, but very good.
Viola Davis masterfully plays her role showing the full range of her talents, and the script for the most part works.
I won't say what the twist is, but it's sort of a pseudo Fight Club scenario, and that's all I'll say.
Absolutely worth a look!
Important lesson for many whether grieving or not
10/10 Eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth. Funny how these grieving mothers believe taking somebody else's life is going to take away the pain they feel for their own children. Apart from this, wonderful movie. It will probably receive many awful reviews, since many seem to believe Ms Lopez does some terrible acting and that Viola Davis is far too superior than her. Perhaps Lila and Eve will make you see her acting skills in a different way. Somewhat great plot twist. Nobody is the victim in this film, as nobody but nobody plays innocent. Everybody is doing something. It most likely isn't something award winning, but certainly something to see. It teaches an important lesson. 10 out of 10, not for the 'normal' spectacular reasons, but because it is its own kind of spectacular. As others say; 'A gem of a film'.
Two grieving mothers seek justice when the police can't cope
9/10 Viola Davis delivers a strong performance in this roller coaster story of a single parent raising two sons, when one is inexplicably shot dead. Despite crippling grief she brings herself to pressure the detective assigned to the case, but to little avail. She then uses the few facts she has to find out on her own how and why this happened. Although almost driven mad with grief, she nevertheless exhibits considerable rationality, and courage, as she has to navigate in a world of street gangs and thugs. She meets Eve (Lopez) at a support group, who turns out to be a terrific ally in this foolhardy exploit. As a duo, these women are unstoppable. Viola shows remarkable range in this convincing portrait of a woman scorned and a mother who lost a good son to random violence. Jennifer delivers one of her best performances as her partner in a quest for justice. Also commendable is Shea Whigham as the not-so-clueless detective, who keeps tabs on these women and their possibly illegal exploits. This film has plenty of heart, suspense, and ultimately, wisdom.