Bill Zwecker

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Chicago Sun-Times
For 87 reviews, this critic has graded:
  • 91% higher than the average critic
  • 3% same as the average critic
  • 6% lower than the average critic
On average, this critic grades 5.6 points higher than other critics. (0-100 point scale)

Bill Zwecker's Scores

  • Movies
  • TV
Average review score: 71
Highest review score: 100 Step
Lowest review score: 25 Kirk Cameron's Saving Christmas
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 73 out of 87
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 87
  3. Negative: 7 out of 87
87 movie reviews
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    • 94 Metascore
    • 100 Bill Zwecker
    Mr. Turner
    Mr. Turner is far more than merely an explosion of color and toned nuance for the eye. The real reason to make this a must-see of this holiday season is to wallow in the Oscar-worthy acting talent of Leigh’s veteran player Timothy Spall.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 88 Bill Zwecker
    The Witch
    This is a very promising first feature by Eggers and showcases some exceptional acting.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 75 Bill Zwecker
    Kubo and the Two Strings
    I cannot stress enough how truly stunning the brilliant visuals are in this movie. Laika has again crafted a world that is such an original vision, one that will live on as a new classic in the world of animation.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 88 Bill Zwecker
    The LEGO Movie
    The visuals are spectacular, the 3D technology is artfully used and the storyline is jam-packed with so many funny lines, it’s hard to catch all the jokes that are delivered in rapid-fire succession.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 100 Bill Zwecker
    Step
    Without question, Broadway producer Amanda Lipitz’s brilliant feature film directorial debut is deeply moving and inspirational, but unlike most documentaries it also makes for very entertaining viewing.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 88 Bill Zwecker
    Elaine Stritch: Shoot Me
    This is a must-see for anyone who loves theater, acting and especially individuals like Elaine Stritch unafraid to bare their souls — so all of us can gain more insight into the complicated essence of the human condition.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 88 Bill Zwecker
    Pride
    This film moves effortlessly from some pretty intense dramatic moments to hilarious scenes showcasing the contrasting lifestyles of the gay and straight worlds to some vignettes of incredible poignancy.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 100 Bill Zwecker
    Indignation
    This is one helluva compelling film that presents us with several of the very best performances of the year. Lerman and Letts, in particular, present us with fully-developed characterizations that will remain with audiences long after they leave the theater.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 88 Bill Zwecker
    Philomena
    Director Steven Frears deserves special mention. A lesser filmmaker could so easily have turned this project into mushy, sentimental junk. The tear-jerking moments here are heartfelt and real. It’s the kind of filmmaking we see too little of today.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 100 Bill Zwecker
    How to Train Your Dragon 2
    Not only does this second movie match the charm, wit, animation skill and intelligent storytelling of the original, I think it even exceeds it.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 100 Bill Zwecker
    10 Cloverfield Lane
    This is a terrific movie that will keep audiences gripping their seats from start to finish, and a great deal of that is due to the magnificent acting jobs by Goodman, Winstead and co-star John Gallagher Jr.
    • 53 Metascore
    • 63 Bill Zwecker
    Earth to Echo
    The saving grace for this film is the group of young actors.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 100 Bill Zwecker
    The Imitation Game
    The film works as well as it does due to the genius of Benedict Cumberbatch and the way he has inhabited Alan Turing’s persona.
    • 41 Metascore
    • 63 Bill Zwecker
    Chappie
    This is a well-meaning film with a good idea that unfortunately stumbles on its way to its less-than-satisfying end.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 75 Bill Zwecker
    22 Jump Street
    There are certainly a lot of actors who can match Hill and Tatum as comic actors, but it’s the oddball connection between these two that makes for a very entertaining couple of hours at the movies.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 88 Bill Zwecker
    Florence Foster Jenkins
    This is an intelligent, deeply moving film that is about so much more than a rich lady with delusional dreams about her own musical abilities. It is, in fact, quite an uplifting homage to the spirit of confidence in the face of enormous adversity.
    • 48 Metascore
    • 75 Bill Zwecker
    Planes: Fire & Rescue
    Planes: Fire & Rescue is a good improvement over “Planes,” which Disney released last year. The story is stronger, there are some wonderful additions to the voice talent and the 3D cinematography is well-utilized.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 75 Bill Zwecker
    The East
    Marling has crafted a nicely taut, suspenseful cinematic journey into the world of corporate espionage.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 88 Bill Zwecker
    The Way, Way Back
    Co-writers/directors Faxon and Rast have created a little gem of a film. Without question, The Way Way Back is the best coming-of-age movie of the summer and should be seen by audiences of all ages.
    • 62 Metascore
    • 88 Bill Zwecker
    Match
    This small film (virtually all of it filmed in Tobi’s New York apartment) is a real gem. Stewart is the main draw and he doesn’t disappoint one bit. Gugino delivers a richly layered performance, tricky as the part calls for supreme subtlety. Lillard is a major revelation here.
    • 66 Metascore
    • 88 Bill Zwecker
    Kung Fu Panda 3
    I think the secret to the appeal of the entire “Kung Fu Panda” franchise is the enormous affection we feel for Po, that seemingly bumbling good guy who also can rise to the occasion and showcase true heroism and mystical power.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 75 Bill Zwecker
    White Girl
    Saylor has created a character who will haunt you for some time after you leave the theater.
    • 59 Metascore
    • 75 Bill Zwecker
    Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2
    Unlike so many sequels, this fun-filled 3D adventure is sure to entertain younger kids but also charm the adults who will be accompanying them to the multiplexes.
    • 62 Metascore
    • 75 Bill Zwecker
    Kon-Tiki
    Kon-Tiki reminds us how important it is to expand our horizons by making discoveries, exploring new worlds and pushing ourselves to the absolute limits of human endurance.
    • 62 Metascore
    • 75 Bill Zwecker
    The Source Family
    Anyone interested in the appeal of cults and the psychological lure of a charismatic leader will appreciate The Source Family.
    • 61 Metascore
    • 75 Bill Zwecker
    The Motel Life
    This well-crafted picture is a lovely work of true art, enhanced by terrific animated sequences illustrating Jerry Lee’s love of drawing cartoons and Frank’s ability to concoct tales of the brothers as heroic figures.
    • 61 Metascore
    • 75 Bill Zwecker
    Muppets Most Wanted
    The new globetrotting, caper-packed romp with Kermit, Miss Piggy and the rest of the lovable team certainly is just as good as, and often an improvement on, the 2011 offering.
    • 60 Metascore
    • 75 Bill Zwecker
    Goosebumps
    The fulcrum to the success of Goosebumps, it must be noted, is the perfect casting of Jack Black as Stine.
    • 59 Metascore
    • 75 Bill Zwecker
    Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie
    This is a very silly film, but one that will keep you laughing — or at least loudly chuckling — from start to finish.
    • 59 Metascore
    • 75 Bill Zwecker
    What If
    While the outcome is pretty predictable and borderline formulaic, this is a well-paced romantic comedy that works due to its engaging cast — with special kudos going out to Radcliffe and Kazan, but also Driver, who delivers perfectly as the fast-talking, libido-driven hunkster.
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