Movie reviews of Rachel Willis

There’s an imbalance that sways the film one way and another, but never lands the audience on solid ground. Review

Dutch maintains a decent balance between the events of the past and the present drama. Unfortunately, the film contains quite a few dull moments. Review

This is only McCormick’s second film, and it’s a bit rough around the edges – a lot like its main character. But that’s part of what gives it its charm. Review

The film’s extraordinary subject helps hide the more mediocre elements. Review

The few moments that don’t land can’t wholly detract from the film’s overall effect. Bliss knows how to invoke dread, and the moments that take us out of the film are easily ignored considering what works. You’ll care less about some of the details and more about what’s ahead. Review

Unlike the naturalistic first and second acts, the third relies on things we’ve been told rather than shown. Review

Too bad Breaking Fast never finds the right balance between what it is and what it wants to teach you. Review

The holidays seem a perfect time to get lost in an epic love story, but Sylvie’s Love isn’t quite compelling enough to join the ranks of the truly great romances. Review

Unfortunately, there are times when I’m Your Woman embraces some cheesy clichés, with some character decisions appearing predetermined by the type of film rather than because the situation warrants it. It’s disappointing such an overall strong film doesn’t avoid certain predictable pitfalls. But with such a stellar cast in a film that bristles with energy, it’s easy to overlook the few flaws. Review

The film is an ode to the United States Postal Service, the hard work they do each year to make Operation Santa a success, as well as to the adopters who make it possible for children to have the merriest of Christmases. Review

The major question: Is any of the information presented new to those who believe Kennedy’s murder was part of a larger plot? Maybe not, but as we approach the anniversary of the assassination, during a period of history that’s ripe with conspiracy theories, it’s worth re-examining once more. Review

There are a couple of funny moments, some of Charlene’s jokes provide a minor chuckle. But much of the dialogue is delivered like a training video: Comedy 101. Or worse, if there was a retail store for comedy, this is the video they’d show you on your first day. Review

It’s easy to have fun with this movie – as long as you check your expectations at the door. Review

There is a lot working for Behram’s film. Review

With her film, Resisterhood, she reminds us why people, particularly women, are fighting the Trump agenda. Review

The actors aren’t terrible in their roles. They’re not the worst trio to spend time with on a road trip movie, and the film does have one or two funny moments. But too much of the movie is focused on what it wants to be rather than effectively embracing what it is. Review

Strong acting, particularly from Lúcia Moniz, keeps the movie watchable, but it’s not enough to save it from poor writing. Review

Removed from the situation by nearly half a century, it is still a critical moment in American history and not one to be forgotten. Kopple ensures it will remain fresh in our minds a little longer with her riveting piece of filmmaking. Review

Kotlyarenko, co-writing with Gene McHugh, wants to deliver a comedic observation of the effects of the digital world on the real one. It’s not a bad idea. It’s too bad the movie isn’t funny nor especially profound. Review

A middling film about love and friendship that still has enough appeal to thaw the coldest hearts. Review

Dawn Porter decides to highlight a little bit of everything in John Lewis: Good Trouble. The result is a fascinating, if messy, portrait of one of America’s greatest fighters for equality and justice. Review

The film’s strength is the way it lets this story unfold organically. As the plot takes us forward, we learn more about the connections between characters—small, intimate moments conveying vast amounts of information. Review

Some of the conversations are more interesting than others, but the filmmakers play a critical role with their lack of presence. They allow the group to share their own stories, to let their voices be heard at a time when it is essential that those who have been silenced in the past are allowed to speak. Review

If you dig British thug dramas, there’s enough that works to make this enjoyable. But if you’re looking for a fresh take on the genre, you won’t find it here. Review