The Circle - Review

There are a few times of the year when a movie is released that leave me wondering if it will be a hit or a bust. January through March, August and September are the months that can either surprise me or provide a subpar movie experience I’ve come to expect. These are the months that make movie reviewing feel like actual work. So, did “The Circle” fall into the category of surprise or disappointment? Let’s dive in and take a look in this review…

The director, James Ponsoldt, doesn’t have a resume that is impressive enough to make me comfortable with a cast of this caliber. This is actually the second film of his I’ve reviewed. The first review being “The End of the Tour” back in 2015. This review is for a film considerably different in that this is a fictional story based on the idea of an information company akin to “Google” slowly growing in power and influence. The other is about a writer and his life. It’s clear that the stories are different however they are similar in that both films are character based stories. Neither film is action oriented. Perhaps it was the size of the cast that was the stumbling block for James to get real emotions conveyed on screen in this movie. Clearly, we cannot blame the actors because they are talented. Some are established, some up and coming, but all of them are talented. So I place the flat, almost two dimensional, delivery of each character squarely on Ponsoldt’s shoulders. We as the audience should have enjoyed intense, stressful, thought provoking characters and dialogue. Instead, we are left staring at the big screen in wonder at how so much talent can act with such mediocrity.

The overall movie was not well constructed either. The screenplay was adapted from a book and often much is left out in transition from page to screen. I think everyone who has read a book and then watched the movie thought to themselves, or perhaps said to a neighbor or friend, “The book is better and has so much more to the story.” This movie felt like they took only the important chapters and then shot the film. The story didn’t really flow and it felt choppy. We meet characters but then certain ones change without real explanation (Karen Gillan), or they don’t have much to do in the film but are integral to the overall plot (John Boyega). It’s very disjointed and that’s unfortunate. I’m sure the book is great. I haven’t read it but they decided to make a movie from it so something has to be in the pages that made this story worthwhile. Unfortunately, the movie doesn’t capture whatever the magic of the book is at all. In fact, the ending is so abrupt the only character to mirror the emotion of the film at any actual point is “Stenton” played by Patton Oswalt. He has one last line in the film right at the end, then walks off screen. That about sums up this film. Just one thing after another happening with no rhythm or flow.

“The Circle” in theaters now! I don’t recommend people see this film on the big screen. If you wish to watch it in the comfort of your own home, go for it. I was disappointed in this film because the talent was there to make this something truly worthwhile and it didn’t deliver. It was probably my most disappointing film to watch in 2017 so far. I’m even bummed out while writing this review. I really wanted to enjoy this film and instead I was bored and let down. No bueno folks. No bueno at all.

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Box Office Review: Bridge of Spies

If the goal was to create a film as intense as the previews, the mark was missed. If the goal was to make a dramatic character study piece that involves ideals and convictions while focusing on real life events in a Cold War world, success! "Bridge of Spies" is masterfully directed by Steven Spielberg, which in all honesty is no surprise, and is brought to life by Tom Hanks and so many other talented actors. It should also be noted that the script was written by Matt Charman and the Coen Brothers. How much more talent is necessary? None. Thankfully there's more talent throughout the entire film which made it feel like the audience was being spoiled. This isn't a complaint it's merely an observation... a pleasant observation.

The synopsis on the films IMDB page reads as follows: "An American lawyer is recruited by the CIA during the Cold War to help rescue a pilot detained in the Soviet Union." The story is pretty simple, right? No arguing that point here but it's the nuances that complicate things for these characters. There's moments of intense dialogue and then moments of humor to keep things light in very dark and trying times. The level of realism felt by even minor characters, who aren't named but described in the credits, take this story to the next level.

Take a moment to consider that in America during this time hatred for Communists/Soviets/Russian's was unprecedented. A common slogan heard in America was "Better dead than Red" referring to communist Russia and anyone from there. Now imagine being so convicted in the American justice system and the United States constitution that you are willing to defend a communist. A communist who is believed to be a Soviet spy working against your country's best interest, and the interest of its citizens. Pretty intense, right? Absolutely this story is intense but even in dark times some of these characters find some light and provide some chuckles.

This is a film that can not only be watched but also appreciated. The characters are so rich and full that their time on screen keeps you transfixed on that moment. Their personality quirks and physical ticks show each actor paid attention to who they were portraying and created an art form out of acting, like any good actor will do. It's acting done well and it allows the audience to identify with these characters, each for different reasons at different times. At no time is the audience expected to sympathize with Rudolph Abel, the suspected Soviet spy, but Mark Rylance does an excellent job bringing to life a character you don't necessarily hate. The back and forth dialogue Tom Hanks and he engage in was one of the high points of this film. These characters were so different but similar in that they both stood for something and found common ground in that fact.

If you have the cash and the time this is a film worth seeing on the big screen. The East Berlin scenes after the wall goes up certainly will be more enjoyable on a theater big screen than any TV at home. This is even a film that is date night appropriate. So if you got someone you fancy this film might even make you appear more cultured. So that's a positive. At not point has a story ever appeared in Cosmo or GQ lamenting the prospect of dating someone cultured. So try and keep this film in mind when you think you might enjoy something more substantial than say, any Rob Schneider film. Save those types of films for Redbox nights at home with a 6 pack and cold pizza.

"Bridge of Spies" is in theaters now. Two American thumbs up!

Comment below if you've already seen it and share your thoughts. Join in on the fun of movie watching and be sure to share this post with anyone who you feel would enjoy another Box Office Review.

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