Here's the thing: The Circle asks the right questions—it really does. In 2017 (and even more so now), we need stories that help families think critically about surveillance, data sharing, and the cost of 'free' tech services.

But this movie is a slog. It's preachy, flat, and so heavy-handed that even teens will roll their eyes. Emma Watson's Mae makes increasingly baffling decisions, Tom Hanks delivers a Steve Jobs impression without depth, and the plot lurches toward a muddled ending that doesn't know what it wants to say.

The 16% Rotten Tomatoes score isn't a fluke. Parents report using it as a 'conversation starter,' which is code for 'the movie itself isn't good, but at least we talked afterward.' If you want to discuss digital privacy with your teen, you're better off watching The Social Dilemma documentary or even an episode of Black Mirror.

Skip unless you're desperate for a tech-ethics discussion prompt and have already exhausted better options.