The film concerns Watson as she has started her dream job at a Google/Facebook-like social media cult, the titular Circle. Just when you think they've touched on something of substance to say about privacy or the ubiquity of technology, it is quickly glazed over for some new, boring plot development. The Circle is an aimless critique on social media and the surveillance state. And even though Daniel Radcliffe has managed to forge a serious acting career post-Harry Potter, Emma Watson has yet to latch onto anything of real quality. He should really stop doing Dave Eggers adaptations. Tom Hanks has been in some shitty films in the past few years, but this one, I believe, is his true nadir. Despite getting the message wrong, The Circle is a compelling dramatic thriller that examines the frightening possibilities that technology can bring. Additionally, the script does a fairy job at building mystery and intrigue as to a possible sinister plot within the Circle and its new programs. Starring Emma Watson, Tom Hanks, Karen Gillan, and John Boyega, the cast is pretty good and delivers solid performances. And, the Orwellian hell of constantly being monitored and being forced into the system is treated more as a coming reality and positive than cautionary. Rather than learning a lesson about the importance of a person's right to privacy the heroine (and by extension the filmmakers) double down and call for the complete elimination of privacy. After getting a job with a tech company Mae Holland quickly becomes a rising star who pushes for more and more access to people's lives through mobile devices alienating her friends and family along the way.

'Privacy was only temporary.and now it's over.' Rarely has a film missed the point of its own story as completely as The Circle does.

Chris stuckmann best movies 2017