TV Jots

New Teen Flick Tackles the Fast Lane

If you like NASCAR or racecars, has ABC Family got a new original movie for you. Tonight’s The Circuit stars Gossip Girl‘s Michelle Trachtenberg as a racing protégé who’s out to become the next big thing in the sport. And she has a pretty good shot, too.

Why? Because not only is Trachtenberg’s character Kylie Shines smart and talented both on and off the track, but she’s also the daughter of a racing legend, Al Shines, played by The 4400 alum Billy Campbell. Their estranged relationship as a result of his preference for his career over his family creates a constant source of tension in the story that serves as the movie’s central focus.

Everyone knows you can’t have a successful teen-oriented movie without a little romance in the mix somewhere, however. Enter Kylie’s cute fellow ace racer Kid Walker (Charmed and Army Wives‘ Drew Fuller), as well as cute Jake Miley (Whistler‘s Tommy Lioutas), a longtime member of her racing crew, and we’ve got a love triangle.

Sure, it’s pretty predictable how the situation ends, but that doesn’t mean tons of viewers won’t get a kick out of watching cute Trachtenberg hook up with one or both of her cute male costars. (Have I said cute too many times?)

The Circuit is more than adequate for its intended audience of teenagers who love Trachtenberg, Fuller, Lioutas, and/or racecar driving. Several extended scenes on the track deliver fairly intense excitement, and all of the cast members have an obvious rapport with one another that helps move the plot along smoothly.

As long as you’re not expecting Shakespeare or a life-altering experience, The Circuit provides enough entertainment to fend off boredom for the ninety minutes it lasts, which doesn’t include the commercials that extend it to two hours.

The Verdict: B-