Watch LUV

LUV is a gripping drama film that was directed by Sheldon Candis and released in 2012. It features an ensemble cast led by Common, Michael Rainey Jr., and Dennis Haysbert, who delivered outstanding performances throughout the movie. The setting of the film takes place in Baltimore, a city that has been suffering from poverty and crime for years.

The plot follows the story of an eleven-year-old boy named Woody Watson, played by Michael Rainey Jr., who lives with his grandmother in Baltimore. Woody's mother, whom he hasn't seen in years, is getting married the next day, and he wants to reunite with her. However, his grandmother cannot take him to the wedding, as she has to work that day. So she sends him to spend the day with his uncle Vincent, played by Common.

Vincent was recently released from prison and wants to start a new life. He has promised to take care of Woody and spend the day with him, but Vincent's motives are not entirely pure. He intends to show Woody the ropes, teach him how to be a man, and involve him in his illegal activities. Woody sees Vincent as a role model and wants to impress him.

Throughout the day, Vincent shows Woody his old neighborhood, introduces him to his old friends, and teaches him the rules of the street. As the day progresses, Woody gets to know more about his uncle's past and discovers that he has been keeping secrets from him. Meanwhile, Vincent's problems begin to surface, and he realizes that he is in over his head.

The movie is an emotional rollercoaster, as it explores themes of loyalty, friendship, and family. The relationship between Woody and Vincent is the centerpiece of the movie, as their bond grows throughout the day. Vincent sees himself in Woody and wants to spare him from the harsh realities of his life. However, he soon realizes that innocence is a luxury he can no longer afford.

The performances by the cast are exceptional, particularly Michael Rainey Jr., who steals every scene he is in. He brings an authenticity to the role of Woody, making the audience root for him throughout the movie. Common delivers a nuanced performance as Vincent, showing the character's vulnerability and his struggle to do the right thing. Dennis Haysbert plays Mr. Fish, Vincent's mentor and former boss, who adds more depth to the story.

The movie's direction by Sheldon Candis is noteworthy, as he captures the essence of Baltimore and its people. The cinematography is beautiful, as the camera follows Vincent and Woody through the city's streets and alleys. The soundtrack by Nuno Malo is also notable, adding to the film's atmosphere.

In conclusion, LUV is an excellent drama that deals with themes that are relevant to today's society. The movie is a character-driven story that showcases the talents of its ensemble cast. Its powerful message and emotional impact make it a must-watch for fans of the genre. With its outstanding performances, direction, and cinematography, LUV is a movie that will stay with viewers long after the credits roll.

LUV is a 2011 crime movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 34 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.9 and a MetaScore of 52.