Robert Smith 2007-05-10

0 of 0 people found the following review helpful:

After reading both the initial reviews that rate this film as brilliant and the later reviews suggesting the film was over-rated and a disappointment, I found myself unable to grasp the worth of "The Circle." I have watched Angela Bettis in both "May" and "Sick Girl" and was captivated by her performances in both brilliant and entertaining movies. Additionally, I am eagerly anticipating her directing debut in the upcoming movie "Roman" where she and Lucky McKee exchange roles (Angela directs, Lucky stars).

This movie? Horrible! The review immediately before mine best summarizes this movie: shot on video, looks and feels like a cheap soap opera/film student project, has a transparent plot, and is generally uninspired and amateurish. I cannot imagine what Angela Bettis was thinking to get involved in this project. The entire "shot in one take" gimmick is just that: A gimmick conceived to hide the worthlessness of viewing this stinker. I noted that the gentleman from "The Sopranos" was in this movie as well, and, being a devoted fan of that series, was looking forward to his role also. Imagine my disappointment when that entire segment of the movie was actually worse than what was already adding up to be a huge waste of my time.

This is not the worst movie I have seen but it is down there near the bottom of the list. Thank God I rented rather than purchased!

C. Kuhn 2007-04-10

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

After all the hype I expected a very good film starring the fantastic Angela Bettis. I am still looking. Bettis' performance while very good is wasted in this cheesy film student style movie. Shooting in digital gives the director lattitude but also allows for sloppy filming. The hype of being shot in one take is clearly wrong as there are at least two points where the film is cut. The story line is not new and the 'twist' ending is very predictable from the middle of the story. The filming looks like a bad soap opera and the writing isn't much better. Following characters walking down halls and sidewalks for long periods of time is not interesting and it was clear that the actors were struggling with it. While the plot device is not new it is always nice to see Angela Bettis doing anything. Her talents are so wasted here and I don't know why she signed on to this poor film experiment. The only circle I will complete is going back for my money.

Shaun A. Scott 2007-03-02

0 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

this is an ''ok'' rental . I would be disapointed paying $15 's for it .Definetly over rated on here.

Alexander Kustanovich 2007-02-22

1 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

I don't know how he did it, but he pulled it off. One continuous shot. No editing. Terrific performances from all the actors. I'm an independent filmmaker and can't even dream of doing anything close to this. I've never met Yuri Zeltser, but if anyone of you have or are planning to, please shake his hand and buy him a drink from Alexander Kustanovich, Brooklyn, NY.

Michael Creekwood 2007-02-13

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

This film was absolutely fascinating. To pull off an entire movie in one continuous shot seems an unattainable feat, but Yuri Zeltser conquers it masterfully. The amazing part of this story is that I didn't notice it was unedited until I read the back of the DVD case - then I went back through the movie and was astonished by the direction and camera work throughout the one-and-a-half hour film. The fact that it was an action/drama even makes it more astounding because these movies often require the most takes.
It is a sharp, intelligent and suspenseful tale that plays out like dream. A dream in which the main character, Angela Bettis can't wake up from and turns out to be a horrible nightmare in the end. David Proval also was impressive in his role as a contract killer with a rough edge, but a soft side that shines through with the help of Angela Bettis' character. This film has earned my recommendation and will surely surprise you, the story unravelling faster and faster as you near the end.
Definitely worth a shot... one continuous unedited filming is still hard to believe.