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Reviews
The Circle (2017)
Terrible. Just plain awful.
Saw this movie yesterday, left very disappointed. I read some of the reviews so I wasn't expecting too much, but it was even worse than I had thought it would be. The writing was utterly terrible, the plot was poorly done, and even the acting was only decent, a surprising result considering the well-known cast. The overall concept of The Circle initially sounds interesting, but when explored in depth and presented through the film, multiple flaws can be found and at times, it almost seems "stupid". As the movie progresses, the main character's choices and actions seem contradictory to how she was introduced, and it becomes hard for the audience to relate to her and put themselves in her shoes. By the end of the movie, it became quite clear that The Circle had hoped to offer some profound social commentary on technology and human behaviour, but ultimately failed to do so by creating such a predictable and "cheesy" film. The dialogue was almost laughable at times, and there wasn't a single character that felt complex or real. While somewhat entertaining due to the futuristic depictions of technology and fast-paced plot, The Circle offers little more than that. Rather than provoke discussion or any deep thoughts after viewing, it leaves you with a large sense of disappointment and dissatisfaction with the way in which the writing and the story were carried out, as well as frustration with the immense amount of plot holes and motive flaws. Overall, The Circle tries to make a name for itself amongst the many "dangers of technology" movies, but as always, lazy writing and a poor and predictable plot can only lead to the disappointing result it ends up being. See The Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 instead. Anything else.
Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2 (2015)
Cinema is saved
Kevin James is brilliant as the titular character, Paul Blart, a timid mall cop, who deserves a vacation after his heroic escapade back in '09. James' performance as a middle-aged, overweight security guard is Oscar worthy. Watching this movie was an emotional ride from start to finish. At some hilarious moments, I was rolling on the floor with gut- wrenching laughter. However, at other tear-jerking moments, I was sobbing with sympathy for Blart. Even less sentimental viewers will find themselves struggling to contain tears. One or two boxes of tissues is highly recommended for watching this film. James somehow manages to keep the audience from collapsing with sadness, by including some of the best comedic jokes of the century, such as the fight between Blart and a bird, which will surely be remembered as a classic movie scene, even many years from now. Blart's skills on a motorized Segway are second to none, and the stunts are expertly choreographed. In a similar scene to the original classic, Blart rushes to aid his daughter, but is unable to do so, because of his hypoglycemic condition. During this scene, I was reduced to a quivering mass of tears, as I watched Blart struggle to overcome his condition, but to no avail. All in all, this movie should be awarded 11 stars out of 10 if possible. Kevin James somehow manages to combine both tragedy and comedy into a brilliant action comedy, all while delivering an excellent performance. Though thoroughly entertaining, "Paul Blart 2" hides deeper meanings, such as Blart's inner struggle with all of the changes occurring in his life, such as the death of his mother, and his divorce with his beloved wife of 6 days. After watching this movie, I was both in laughter and in tears, and I immediately stayed at the theatre to watch it for a second time. "Paul Blart 2" proves that a timeless classic can still be created in 2015.