It has its effective moments but it tends to indicate emotions more than deliver them, and is finally more conventional and unadventurous than its elements would lead you to believe.

Dramatically, more ultimately proves less, and the jumble feels like it should have been torn apart and rethreaded with stronger material.

Ryder, as gamine as ever, delivers her most credible performance to date, while the luminous Simmons and imposing Angelou infuse the film with grace and understated charm.

[Director Jocelyn Moore] achieves a sturdy look, even in the flashback scenes, that gives weight and substance to the memories we see enacted.