Black Circle Boys





Starring
Scott Bairstow, Eric Mabius

Rating


Rating within genre


Rated
R for adult language, sex-related material, drug content, and violence

Directed by
Matthew Carnahan

Written by
Matthew Carnahan

Genre
Drama/with murder *stereo-indie*

Film
Color; 1 hr. 40 min.

Date of Release
1997

Filming Locations
Not available

Synopsis
Based on a true story, Kyle Sullivan was an All-American swim champion whose best friend fell off a building and died. His family moved away, and he began a depressing year at a local high school as the new kid on the block. Seeing a notice that a band needed a drummer, Kyle sought out Shane Carver. But Shane is more than a rock singer....he's the leader of a Satanist group called the Black Circle Boys, and he pulls Kyle into a terrifying world of drugs, anti-religion, and a brotherhood that runs to the grave.

Summary
I think Eric Mabius is the single most underrated person on the planet. He's got to be one of the top 10 most talented actors in the entire world. 'Black Circle Boys' is an outstanding movie - in large part credit to his performance, as well as that of Scott Bairstow. See, if you compare this film with his other works, you'll notice how different Eric can be in different roles. I can't explain how amazing his acting was here, you have to see it for yourself. I know this movie got a lot of put-down, but that was mainly because a lot of people have trouble watching films as over-the-edge as this.

'Black Circle Boys' has a great story that was really brought to life by the acting. Yes, it was depressing, disturbing, eerie, and upsetting - but who cares? That's what made it the ingenious flick it is! It takes a strong mentality though, so if you're turned off by those films with open endings and troubled storylines, this isn't for you. Based on a true story, it's a hard movie to watch, but it's really, really well done. As far as indie films go, it's on top - and for a Stereo-Indie....well, it's the ultimate level. I definitely think this didn't get anywhere near the credit it deserved, and I recommend it to everyone who thinks they can handle it.


Notable Quotes

The boys are discussing the band.
"Fairy might be playing.....with himself." -- Shane

"Do you accept The Father?" -- Greggo
"Uh...yeah...I guess." -- Kyle

"Wow, you're not as stoned as you look." -- Chloe

"I'll make you suck my cock in hell. You're f**king dead." -- Shane


Reviews


Stygian Films: "This is such a powerful movie, better than anything else of its genre. Eric Mabius pulls off one of the most amazing performances I've ever seen someone accomplish...not to undermine Scott Bairstow, who was excellent as well. It takes an open mind to watch this film though, because the events that take place are harrowing and disturbing."

Terminal 42: "Carver really gives a wonderful soliloquy. It's probably the wistful delivery, but that speech actually made me cry. Which for me is the ultimate test, because I can name the things in movies and TV shows that've made me cry on, like, one hand. So there you have it. If it weren't for what boils down to moral objections (and I'll think that over and maybe write a second draft of this review one day) I'd give "Black Circle Boys" a full hundred points. But for me, a hundred-point score is more than a mathematical equation; it means that, were I to be given the power to do so, there's not one single thing I'd change about a movie. And right now I can't say that about "Black Circle Boys". So we'll leave it with...Final score: 99"

IMDB user: "I usually do not flip through movies I have never heard of and stop and watch them, but I turned Black Circle Boys on and for some reason i couldn't turn it off. It was a movie that just kept my attention. An excellent cast made this movie even more the better. I am so amazed by this movie that I want to go out and buy it."

IMDB user: "This is one of the worst pieces of crud ever put on film. I can't decide whether the plot or the acting was worse. I have seen better production values on home videos of my family."

IMDB user: "I just saw Black Circle Boys less than a week ago and I don't think I'll ever see another movie that can compare to it.The acting is wonderful, all the characters seems so real. Eric Mabius(Shane) and Heath Lourwood (Munn) in my opinion were the best in the movie but all the acting was so good. Shane and Munn's moods switch from scene to scene so often that you don't know what to think of them. But by the end you can't help but feel sorry for them all. This really is worth renting or buying."

IMDB user: "I absolutely love this movie. It is not at all like any other movie I would list as a favorite and yet, for some reason, it remains high on my list ever since I discovered it while wandering through Blockbuster a few months ago. What makes this movie so great is, hands down, the performance of Eric Mabius. He is so perfect as Shane Carver that even if the movie sucked I would probably still watch it. He makes you(at least in my opinion) feel sympathy for Shane and brings a great deal of humanity to what could have been a totally one-dimensional, stereotypical character."

IMDB user: "Well, I honestly didn't find this movie to be anything spectacular. I'd call it a guy version of "The Craft." Which means it was more gory, more violent, etc. But it wasn't half as fun as watching "The Craft." For instance, none of the boys had supernatural powers, so don't expect any special effects in that area. Character development was minimal and the ending was unsatisfying."

Amazon user: 5 STARS "This movie is just simply the best! The acting was great, the plot realistic, and Eric Mabius was hot! Eric's portrayal of Shane Carver just blew me away! He portrayed every aspect of Shane well and he made me feel sympathy for him."

Amazon user: "Well, this movie has quickly become one of the favorites and most recommended titles in my library (I own it on VHS and DVD). First off, the acting is superb! Eric Mabius' portrayal of the gothic Shane Carver is very believable and well done. It was a surprise to me that this movie had not made a bigger impact in the movie scene. Although movies such as 'I Know What You Did Last Summer' and 'Scream' are hailed as great horror movies, they PALE in comparison with 'The Black Circle Boys'. This movie discards the teen-idol-littered plots and instead builds on a strong and realistic story."

IMDB user: "I loved this movie. It has to be my favourite all time movie. The acting was superb, especially from Eric Mabius, who portrayed Shane Carver, the enigmatic leader of the 'Black Circle Boys'. His performance was brilliant - you found yourself almost in tears when he talked about his brother with such passion, and his 'boys', and yet hating him at other times when he was so horrible and violent. Scott Bairstow, who played Kyle Sullivan, also gave a brilliant performance as the lost grieving teenager, looking for comfort in drugs, religion and Shane."


Cast List

Scott Bairstow................Kyle Sullivan
Eric Mabius....................Shane Carver
Tara Subkoff..................Chloe
Chad Lindberg................Rory (aka. Fairy)
Heath Lourwood.............Munn
Donnie Wahlberg............Greggo
David Newson................Mr. Earhorn
Dee Wallace Stone..........Mrs. Sullivan
Bruce Burkhartsmeier......Mr. Sullivan
Victor Morris..................Detective


Accept the Father. Stand by your brothers.








Also recommended
The Reflecting Skin
Welcome to the Dollhouse
Hurricane Streets
Lawn Dogs


Pictures credit to Scott Bairstow Fansite and The Black Circle of Eric Mabius - the ultimate Eric site!
Also many thanks to the Internet Movie Database and Amazon.com for their user reviews