Custody (2016)

I really liked this movie: Warning spoiler alert: However, I thought for sure this movie was a set up for a TV series or mini drama. A lot of unanswered questions at the ending. The judges colleague insinuates she is drinking to much and she leaves the Christmas party with a lonely haunting face. Did the public defender tell her father that her uncle touched her as a child or did the grandmother step up?

Director and writer James Lapine did a decent job with this screenplay. Sure this story has been done many times over, but having the wonderful and impactful Viola Davis in this film gave it that extra little boost it needed. Although the slow pacing could not be saved by Viola, the story in its entirety was pretty good. Would I see it again? No. Would I recommend it? Sure, if I know someone likes this type of film. It's a 7/10 from me.

Let me first get my angst out of the way. I'm referring to the useless review contributed by "Da Rude". It should read "Duh Rude". Unfortunately, I had to read the review three times to try to comprehend what the point was. To no avail. You sound like you have a problem with U.S. Made motion pictures, the Academy, and simply enjoy griping. Do you have a personal agenda against someone involved in the making of this film??Sorry, I had to get that off my chest. As the other people contributing reviews of this film have essentially rated this an average "9", thus far, I agree. I've not to date, seen a performance less then excellent by Viola Davis and this film is no different. She just has a way of bringing real emotion to the screen as well as delivering a performance that gets you right in the chest. Her Co Stars do a terrific job as well and I felt the story was moving and thought provoking. It is no easy task telling a story about the legal separation of a child/children from a parent/parents. It is, obviously, a very tough subject to tackle and one which many people take a divisive stance on. IMO, illustrating the dramatic course one navigates from the perspective's of a single Mother, Judge and all the people involved in doing a job aimed at protecting the welfare of children is not an easy one. Custody" does so with realism, empathy, and humanity. This is not a feel good movie. It is not intended to be. It is, however, very much so worth watching and I believe most will get a glimpse into the tough process this film tackles, and will walk away happy they did.

The unrealistic ratings about this movie made me even register on IMDb. The movie deserves absolutely nothing, except the fact that the actors triggered The Supreme Community to rain 5 stars all over. Theme is absolutely trivial. Actors are trivial. What is not trivial here? Unfortunately, this is happening to almost all US movies and I had to witness horrified this year how hate, hypocrisy and chauvinism ruined the Oscars in a US where the roles are the other way around by 180 degrees as they were 100 years ago. Nice leap back in time, completely understandable by who's driving it.