Jan Wahl Movie Review: 'Closed Circuit'

(KCBS) — KCBS Entertainment Editor Jan Wahl reviews "Closed Circuit", a crime thriller about a terrorist attack in London starring Eric Bana and Rebecca Hall.

KCBS Entertainment Reporter Jan Wahl:

 
CLOSED CIRCUIT (R)

Surveillance, global terrorism, due process, privacy. Sounds like a news segment. But, "Closed Circuit" is a contemporary thriller that should crackle with relevance. Set in London after a terrorist attack, we know that closed circuit cameras are everywhere, recording actions and reactions. Not enough is made of these cameras and only an occasional reminder happens that they are there.

We meet attorney Eric Bana and special advocate Rebecca Hall. These two intelligent, dynamic professionals are trying to save the defendant while keeping intelligence from each other. Instead of popping with energy, we get overly complex exposition.

Even Jim Broadbent and Julia Stiles can't save this movie that plods instead of peaks.

Spy stories can be great – from "Homeland," "House of Cards," "The Spy Who Came In From The Cold," The "Bourne" movies or "Three Days of the Condor."

But, this one isn't it.

Even with a great cast, relevancy and location, this one wastes a interesting opportunity.

Two hats.

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Home Viewing/DVD: At Any Price, The Great Gatsby, Kon-Tiki & Scatter My Ashes at Bergdorf's

 
You can hear KCBS Entertainment Editor Jan Wahl's movie reviews on KCBS All News 740AM and 106.9FM Fridays at 8:53am & 4:53pm.

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