SummaryLila (Viola Davis) is a grief-stricken mother who in the aftermath of her son’s murder in a drive-by shooting attends a support group where she meets Eve (Jennifer Lopez), who has lost her daughter. When Lila hits numerous roadblocks from the police in bringing justice for her son’s slaying, Eve urges Lila to take matters into her own ha...
SummaryLila (Viola Davis) is a grief-stricken mother who in the aftermath of her son’s murder in a drive-by shooting attends a support group where she meets Eve (Jennifer Lopez), who has lost her daughter. When Lila hits numerous roadblocks from the police in bringing justice for her son’s slaying, Eve urges Lila to take matters into her own ha...
You can get a little lost following the chain of drug dealers who Lila and Eve gun down. Then again, narrative coherence isn’t really the point. What is vital is Davis’ wrenching performance as a mother who’s done everything right, but remains powerless to keep her children safe.
This movie was amazing! The movie was not predictable at all. There are moments throughout the movie where you start to get pieces to the puzzle as the scenes playout. The movie does really well at addressing the importance of support groups and the reality of mental health, especially addressing trauma and the effects of experiencing it. I was pleasantly immersed in all of the captivating acting. This movie really gave you a feeling that it was true story, although, in a way, it kind of is to a certain degree. One of the main reasons that I believe that this movie has such a realistic take, is that in real life much of what is exposed in the movie is what is reality for people. Even the parts of the movie that were technically for the dramatic effect, it tugs on your heart because in a way we feel at times that we would probably do the same if were in the same position. I am trying my best to be vague when describing my opinion on this movie without giving away too much. I highly recommend everyone give this movie a chance with a clear mindset going in. I believe you will be delighted and not at all disappointed. For those that are disappointed, as you can see there are some negative reviews, everyone is entitled to their own opinion and have their own preferences and expectations of what they intended to get out of the movie, etc. I hope that you have enjoyed my honest critique and review of what I considered and piece of artistic film.
Oscar-winner Davis can maintain her dignity in just about anything, and she almost gives Lila enough depth to be a compelling character. Lopez gets points for trying something a bit more challenging than the hot-for-teacher dreck of "The Boy Next Door," but she inevitably struggles to hit more than one note.
Pitched somewhere between indie domestic drama and direct-to-video exploitation, Lila & Eve is the kind of film in which a sturdy, unsensational piece of acting can take the spotlight.
Viola Davis lets her Charles Bronson flag fly in Lila and Eve, a ludicrous revenge thriller that should have been called, “Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot.”
What can one say about LILA & EVE? Brought to us by Lifetime Films, LILA feels like the kind of film Lifetime never makes anymore but with actors well above par. Viola Davis is truly awesome in every way, delivering a performance that does not depend upon her usual over wrenching weepy. And JLO is pretty perfect, showing what a super actress she can be. The film kind of **** but I loved it. Full of strange twists and turns. It's not the movie you expect which is what makes it quite wonderful.
Foreseeable thriller, yet there's a hefty amount of personal conviction invested on Lila & Eve. The morality of revenge has been used as theme in many occasions, Kevin Bacon and Jodie Foster have made similar works before. While it doesn't necessarily innovate crime genre, Lila & Eve works by displaying the intimate issue with strong performance. It's a story about two mothers seeking justice, yet ultimately absorbed by the vengeance in an attempt to cope with the overwhelming sadness.
Viola Davis as Lila is easily the best asset of the movie. She's completely believable as the grieving mother, often seen hurt and confused in highly sympathetic manner. She can draw audience interest and even suspense judgment as she dabbles in less savory acts. Since the movie almost entirely revolves around her trial, it's a boon to have a reliable lead.
Jennifer Lopez has a mixed record in acting. There are a couple of good movies when she delivered, but most of the material she worked were mismatches. The most advantage she has is she can appear to be not glamorous, as in Parker and The Boy Next Door. With Viola Davis, the chemistry is definitely present, she appears to be an integral part of Lila's story than just a quest star.
The movie is not without flaws though. It's hampered with a few crude developments. They can be a bit problematic, although not entirely jumping towards one-man-army action theme or overly bloody violence. Furthermore, the plot twist it tries to pull is predictable and it could've been more refined or subtle in its delivery.
Unfortunately, many elements of the movie are notoriously cliché. The vigilante thriller and the chasing cop aspect feel much too familiar. However, Lila & Eve has enough private sentiment to be emotionally engaging even though the cause might not be just.
I started this movie thinking it was going to be a female-driven version of John Wick. Then I saw the Lifetime logo and my hopes dropped considerably. A lot of it was as I imagined, flimsy script, poor direction, giant plot holes, and THE BIG REVEAL that would probably shock the hell out of any 8 year olds watching. Anyone who has ever seen a movie before won't be surprised. This movie ****, but Viola Davis and Jennifer Lopez both deliver impressive performances that make it ALMOST worth watching.