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July 16, 2015
Review: Lila and Eve

lila-and-eveThere are revenge flicks, and then there is Lila and Eve, a lively psychological drama that catapults viewers into a maelstrom of violence and snowballing gang violence. It is pleasing to witness a lead character who fails to hesitate during the moments where Hollywood formulas dictates they should, or who wavers upon the first sign of trouble.The film tells the story of Lila Walcott (Davis), a single parent who lost her son Stephon (Aml Ameen) in a drive-by shooting in a gang/drug infested neighborhood. In a grieving mothers club, she meets Eve Rafael (Lopez), a terse and hard-nosed mother whose lost her daughter to murder. Lila attempts to keep the semblance of a normal life with her younger son Justin (Ron Caldwell), and her companion Ben (Julius Tennon), but Eve becomes the voice of temptation, whispering and persuading Lila to take matters into her own hands, regarding Stephon's death. When the police department stalls the case, which is led by Detective Holliston (Shea Whigham), Lila takes to the streets, going from person to person, tracking down those responsible for Stephon's gang-related shooting.

While we've seen plots like this before, Lila and Eve is still powerful enough to stay evergreen, with a much appreciated central theme. Director Charles Short III breaks no cinematic boundaries, and does not jump leaps and bounds over other suspenseful dramas, but he and screenwriter Patrick Gilfillan at least keep their characters' journeys meaningful. Even through bombastic dialogue, Lila and Eve keeps its sea legs. The acting too is superb and this is undoubtedly Davis' film. Her portrayal of a grieving mother is not only believable, but forthright and poignant. Her performance is special, even if the narrative isn't too deep -- or at least as deep as similar films with the same gusto, like Memento or Man on Fire, to name just a few. Nonetheless, Lila and Eve is distinctive because of the strength of, by all accounts, a female dominated cast. Davis and Lopez spit fire onto the screen, and most of it is completely warranted.

While the female cast is the spine of this film, it should also be noted that the detective squad is a pleasant side note, as the actors have a conflicting but analogous work ethic. Detective Holliston is the grounded, more pragamatic type, while Detective Skaketti (Andre Royo) provides the laughs and the 'street' wherewithal. The production values of Lila and Eve do not disappoint, but this is not an aesthetic film, to be sure. It is a film of heart, and working through the threat of inaction; remaining vigilant and appreciative of the time you are allotted.

A film with Viola Davis and Jennifer Lopez taking the world of gang violence into their own hands.

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Written by: Dan Gunderman
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