About Patrice Witherspoon
Patrice is a film/TV critic and editor based in southern California. She is the EIC of Pop Culture Reviews and has bylines at Film Threat, Collider, and Cinema Debate. She prides herself on being a champion of projects for and by underrepresented groups and an advocate for first-time filmmakers. When she's not catching the latest horror film or attending festivals, you can find Patrice mentoring scientists in her day job, scoffing at her sports teams, or travelling the world. Whatever the case, her life’s goal is to have fun and meet some great people along the way.
Miranda’s Victim Review: Important Drama Is Elevated By Outstanding Performances
Not a single performance was wasted in Miranda’s Victim, which is exactly the kind of production you need from such a heavy story.
Poolman Review: Chris Pine’s Wacky Comedy Thriller Is A Dumpster Fire
Poolman is an unfunny spoof of neo-noir thrillers with hazy direction, even messier storytelling, and unbearable dialogue.
Rustin Review: Colman Domingo Gives An Oscar-Winning Performance In Flimsy Biopic
It may not be the best biopic ever told, but people will certainly walk away from Rustin more educated.
Pain Hustlers Review: Blunt & Evans Star In Generic, Timid Takedown Of Big Pharma
Pain Hustlers is a mixed bag of entertainment that opts for flashiness instead of focusing on the important elements of the story at hand.
The Burial Review: Foxx & Jones Let Loose In Entertaining Courtroom Dramedy
Led by an exceptional Jamie Foxx, The Burial is sensational, balancing its audaciously vibrant spirit with its poignantly rich story.
Knox Goes Away Review: Keaton Directs & Stars In Overly Ambitious Thriller
With great performances all around & a well-intentioned script that is creative & overly ambitious, Knox Goes Away is compelling in its own right.
Next Goal Wins Review: Waititi’s Sports Dramedy Has Little Character Development
Next Goal Wins has some embellishments, but its biggest mishap is missing the mark on jokes & limiting character development for almost every person.
Dumb Money Review: Star-Studded Film Is An Exhilarating Ride Down Memory Lane
Dumb Money is a crowd-pleasing story with great performances and a script that keeps it simple.
American Fiction Review: Jefferson’s Timely Directorial Debut Is Confident & Provocative
Don’t let cameos fool you, American Fiction is packed with important commentary, clever jokes, and a story that’ll have you coming back for more.
Woman Of The Hour Review: Kendrick's Directorial Debut Is Promising But Tonally Off
While showing good potential overall, Kendrick’s directorial debut is hindered by tonal imbalances and poor editing.
Anatomy Of A Fall Review: Sensational Courtroom Drama Challenges Our Perception Of Truth
Anatomy of a Fall is as addicting as any true crime story yet as riveting as some of the best murder mysteries thanks to a team effort.
Sitting In Bars With Cake Review: A Healthy Mix Of Hearty Fun & Devastation
Equally heartwarming and heartbreaking, Trish Sie's Sitting in Bars with Cake is an emotional rollercoaster worth every smile and tear.
The Good Mother Review: Swank & Cooke Are Great In Formulaic, Disappointing Mystery
Though The Good Mother contains great talent like Hilary Swank & Olivia Cooke, the predictable formula holds it back from saying something meaningful.
You Are So Not Invited To My Bat Mitzvah Review: A Fun & Engaging Family Affair
Though we’ve seen the "breakup then makeup" storytelling in this genre before, Sammi Cohen’s film is an easy watch with a satisfying ending.
The Last Voyage Of The Demeter Review: Limited, Disappointing Dracula Adaptation
The Last Voyage of the Demeter showed promise early on but failed to capitalize on the inherent horrors of its story.
Til Death Do Us Part Review: Natalie Burn Is Ferocious in Frustrating Thriller
Til Death Do Us Part is a lackluster horror/action thriller with wonky dialogue, an overlong runtime, and a tedious script.
Haunted Mansion Review: Stanfield Goes Above & Beyond In Fun, Heartfelt Remake
Thanks to a fun and simple script, enhanced by Justin Simien’s exhilarating and creative direction, Haunted Mansion is a welcomed surprise.
The Miracle Club: Endearing, Heartwarming Dramedy Is The Healing We All Need
The themes in The Miracle Club may be as old as time, but it beautifully celebrates the idea that friendship and compassion can be healing.
The Perfect Find Review: Union Leads Vibrant Adaptation That Is Light On Romance
Though The Perfect Find struggles with the romance aspects of its story, the adaptation's commentary on finding love late in life is a pure delight.
First Time Female Director Review: Peretti’s Directorial Debut Is Painfully Unfunny
A mix of satire and mockumentary, First Time Female Director had the material to succeed, but the irksome humor overshadows its important messaging.