The Circle - Okay

Starring: Emma Watson, Tom Hanks
Director: James Ponsoldt
Runtime: 1 hour, 50 minutes
Based on the novel by Dave Eggers
Drama | Sci-Fi | Thriller | Book-to-Film | 2017

This movie was not what I expected, AT ALL. First off, one of the categories give to The Circle by IMDB is “Thriller.” I do not agree with this at all. How is it a thriller? Perhaps the book was more of a thriller, because this movie had no thrilling aspect at all. Basically, Mae lands her dream job at The Circle, an innovative company that is trying to connect the lives of everyone and for the most part, take away their privacy.

First it’s little cameras hidden everywhere you can imagine. Then it’s invention after invention after invention. Mae works her way to fame in The Circle, by going “totally transparent” where she wears a camera 24/7 and shows the world her life. Tom Hanks plays Bailey, the CEO of The Circle and the brains behind everything that’s happening.

Eventually things happen, and Mae makes it her mission to take down Bailey and his right hand man. Again, not as thrilling as you’d think. The entire movie is made to look like technology, kind of similar to Nerve with all the texting and camera shots, but not as exciting. I think there is a good concept here, but it just wasn’t executed very well.

Emma Watson does okay I guess, not her best performance. She kind of reminded me of Kristen Stewart, having one face the entire film. And Tom Hanks, he’s being Tom Hanks, but isn’t given much of an opportunity to shine here like he usually does. I don’t think it’s Watson’s or Hank’s fault. I just think it’s poor dialogue and screenplay.

The use of the main character’s dad’s MS didn’t seem to have much an effect on the story. The only supporting detail would have to be Mercer, and how the Circler’s affected his life therefore cascading into Mae’s life.

​And the music!! Don't get me started on the music, I felt like I was watching a motivational video for work the entire time.

This movie is one that I was excited to watch. After it was released into theaters and flopped and had all these bad reviews, I was still excited to watch it because others opinions don’t talk me out of it. But man, I’d have to agree with them. This movie just wasn’t that great. The supporting actors weren’t all that great either. I didn’t feel like I wasted my time, but I wouldn’t recommend this movie. I give it a low, “okay” rating. (1/5)

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