Ever wanted to watch Selma Blair as an agrophobic, reclusive writer? Of course you have, well then George Gallo’s Columbus Circle is the movie for you.

Based on a script from Gallo himself and actor/comedian Kevin Pollak (Red State), Columbus Circle is the story of Abigail Clayton (Selma Blair). Abigail has lived for over a decade in the same high-rise apartment block in Manhattan, her only contact with the outside world is by slipping notes under her door to kindly concierge Klandermann (Kevin Pollak). Unfortunately Abigail’s tranquil existence is shattered after the death of her elderly neighbour, which leads to police detective Frank Giardello (Giovanni Ribisi) asking questions and a new couple Charles (Jason Lee) and Lillian (Amy Smart) moving into the deceased womans apartment. As Abigail befriends Lillian, a tangled web of intrigue and deceit is unveiled, causing Abigail to question not only who she can trust, but also her own sanity.

There are films which twists are pivotal to the film’s plot and narrative and then there’s Columbus Circle, a reasonably enjoyable by the numbers thriller from director George Gallo (Midnight Run). The nearest example of something that  almost reaches the same levels of plot twist abandonment as Columbus Circle is the Community episode “Conspiricy Theories and Interior Design”. Now to Columbus Circles credit the film never feels confusing or muddled, it does however leave you asking the question why? Some of the plotting from characters in the film completely bypasses convoluted and dives head first into downright lunacy. There’s enough positive elements within Columbus Circle for it to play out as a solid by the number thriller, instead by the end any character motivations within the film feel forced and contrived.

Columbus Circle does have a great cast but they all suffer from the lack of a tight polished script. It’s like if you baked a cake of all things you remember liking but havent seen for a while (Jolly Ranchers, Everton winning trophies and soft core Shannon Tweed pornography for example). The ingredients themselves are all great but what comes out of the oven is a lumpy, over cooked mess that struggles to excite or even intrigue on any level and that’s a crying shame. Jason Lee and Amy Smart are always welcome additions to any film, unfortunately they’re given next to nothing to work with and as for poor Giovanni Ribisi, he spends most of his time wandering in a haze while having to recite the most tedious dialogue.

I really wanted to like this more than I did, in the end however the biggest mystery of all is how something this glaringly mediocre was made.

Down With Film Rating 3/10

Kobie

A freelance writer, with over ten years of experience. Allen likes bad films, holding hands and long walks in the park. He hates The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and Ham. Follow him on Twitter https://twitter.com/#!/KobieNINE

More Posts - Twitter