Custody

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.

Award winning writer/director James Lapine pulls out all stops with this full on study of the US Family Law Court: its employees, several various related services, & families involved with some of its outcomes. This quite powerful production has the look of a made for Cinema feature that went straight to TV. Performances are first class, as is the cinematography and music score. Lapine has included many story elements (too many perhaps?) giving it the feel of a pilot for yet another upcoming endless series (thank heavens it was all wrapped up in a feature) & while there are unresolved situations, we know enough to fill in the spaces. Good looking and absorbing - can recommend 'Custody' for any lover of dramatic studies that deal with contemporary social issues.

I watched this film today because I could relate to the description. This movie has a lot of emotion especially if you have a connection with the actresses. There are examples of just how easy it is for CPS to take your children away based on lies, assumptions or allegations.

On the one hand, it is good to see Lifetime showcasing more quality material. Several years ago, a movie such as "Custody" would have been a rarity on Lifetime. On the other hand, this movie tried to do too much in an hour and three-quarters. There wasn't enough time to deal with the personal issues, so the legal issues got skimmed over lightly. Reviewer Da Rude makes some good points (although rather incoherent, unfortunately). The United States film industry is so fragmented right now. Too many people making ill-considered decisions that affect the quality of the final product. If "Custody" was conceived as the multi-part project which it should have been, the various themes and story lines could have been given the treatment they should have had. As it is, they weren't. Reviewer Da Rude, a resident of London, seems to have problems with US movies. Too bad, but he's right about this: The US film industry is going through a lot of turmoil right now. It has happened before, and the results have always been stronger output in the end. As far as "Custody" is concerned, Lifetime needs to be encouraged to press forward with the quality material, most particularly with quality actors such as Viola Davis. Having first-rate actors such as Ellen Burstyn, Patricia Kalember and Tony Shalhoub doing smaller roles needs to be seen in a positive light for TV movies. (The broadcast networks gave up on them years ago; reality shows and a LOT of American football have, sadly, pushed them aside.) "Custody" must be evaluated for the good direction it is taking. We need more such efforts.

I must say that I was more than pleasantly surprised by the production quality of this film, together with a compelling story line superbly acted. I even enjoyed the soundtrack, which emphasized emotion at just the right time.

With names like Viola Davis, Hayden Panettiere, Ellen Burstyn and Tony Shalhoub, I was wondering why I missed it at the theaters. However, it was premiered by Lifetime and was never released theatrically (although it certainly should have been).

Catalina Sandino Moreno turns in an excellent performance as the mother of two children facing a dilemma, the outcome of which is uncertain, causing pain nearly impossible to endure. The children and their friends all contributed very believable performances along with the rest of the cast. There was not one moment in this movie where I sensed a fake, forced or unbelievable character.

Although the plot is multi-faceted and highlights the lives of a number of the characters, it remains interesting and compelling throughout. It is a film with a great deal of character, feeling and emotion. In the end you will feel glad that you watched this movie. I am pretty harsh when it comes to TV movies, yet this is a rare exception that deserved to have a much wider audience. 9 of 10 stars!