Lila & Eve

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A wonderful film about a mother - Lila (Viola Davis) - who suffers the murder of her oldest son via a drive by shooting. Lila, the grieving mother is tormented & overwrought by this incident and can barely cope with her daily life. This is the story of Lila! Eve's story is the story of every grieving mother in the support group. But Eve does not exist! The give away is when the pregnant woman speaks with officer Holliston - she only hears one female voice - yet both Lila & Eve shout at the man they trap in his bedroom. The other mothers in the support group want to be 'Eve' but only Lila has the will to be Eve. Inside Lila is a strong independent woman. So she creates "Eve" (Jennifer Lopez) in her mind to get resolution to her loss & suffering. Eve is the iron willed & stoic persona Lila must become to do what must be done not only for herself but for every mother in the support group she joins. For Lila the justice system is slow and inefficient so she and Eve go out into the streets to find who murdered her son and along the way she just happens to clean up! This story by Pat Gilfillan and film directed by Charles Stone is not without it's flaws. An example is just how did Lila become so well acquainted with fire arms and her personal detective work into finding the criminals. BUT as a 'whole movie' the story flows quickly and you become quite attached to Lila and her cat & mouse game with Officer Holliston's investigation into a string of murders. You are sure to like this one!

Not too surprising that Viola Davis gives a strong performance as a mother who has a very interesting nervous breakdown after her son's murder from a drive-by, and good for Jennifer Lopez who I can't remember the last time was in something really worth seeing. Her role as another grieving mother out for vengeance rather than justice was a turn in a different direction. And the movie relies a lot on the strong performances of their star power. Though it acts like a mature version of Death wish, the movie is predicable like an action movie, and though I was expecting elements from the action genre, I was also expecting the movie to be a way better than a Made-for-TV cable movie starring an old TV star. Maybe you should wait to see it on TV as well.

I thought the film was a brilliant character study of the effects of a tragic death has on the living. Perhaps some thought that the film was a bit far-reaching but that is what film is all about… to push the limits, stretch our minds and continue the "what if" story. No doubt Viola Davis continues to impress with her amazing talent as a grieving mother willing to do anything to exact justice for her son's unnecessary death. Jennifer Lopez plays perfectly as the counter-part, cajoling her in further and deeper. What do we see movies for? Entertainment? Perhaps to step outside of our world and into another for a couple of hours? Well this is barely 90 minutes but it was certainly satisfying. I felt the pain and anguish of a mother who had lost her child. I understood her angst. While I also understood very clearly that her vigilante pursuit came with a consequences that left another wake of grief albeit loosely justified but to what means? While many were dissatisfied with the possible holes… I found the film to be refreshingly original, well written, great story line, plot and acting. Bravo! Those who gave this film a low rating have never tried to write anything other than a criticism, so take their opinion for what it is worth -- if you're wondering if you'll be entertained: yes. Watch it an enjoy it, it goes pretty deep… and in the end it will make you think, perhaps a little more. Another possible wink to the far-reaching understanding of the long-standing and ludicrous death toll derived directly from our nation's continued efforts on the "war on drugs," it is possible to also see that if "drugs" were regulated and available… the crime and death would be far less.

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.

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!

While this film won't win an Academy Award or any other glamorous award for that matter, it is a good film. The cast, for the most part, is what makes it as good as it is. The emotion and drama that's displayed by Viola Davis' character is flawless. Viola Davis, as usual, gives a wonderful performance in this film along side Jennifer Lopez. Although Jennifer Lopez's performance isn't as high caliber as Viola Davis' they both made a great pair in this film. Not anything different or original, this film is about two women who seek out and take revenge on the men who murdered their sons, it's that simple, or is it. Fairly written with some drama and a nice plot twist this film is enough to be enjoyed.

This film tells the story of a grieving woman who lost her son because of a shooting on the street. She attends a mothers' support group, where she finds support from another woman who lost her daughter. "Lila & Eve" is quite a good thriller! Viola Davis is very good as a grieving mother. She makes her character very sympathetic and really connects with the viewers. Her grief is deep and hurting badly, but not overdone. Then a twist comes; I thought a twist would be coming as there are clues shattered around the film, but I thought it was something else. The ending is great and offers closure in a subtle manner. I enjoyed watching this thriller.