Spin Me Round starts off strong then ultimately becomes a pointless movie that had great potential, but unfortunately never delivers.
On paper Spin Me Round sounds intriguing. It follows the long time manager of a Olive Garden-esque restaurant as she is sent on a retreat to Italy to learn more about the background of the chain and discover new recipes. When the creator of Tuscan Grove surprises the group of selectees things get weird as he has his assistant sneak her off to his boat instead of the days activities under the ruse that she is feeling sick.
As time goes on it is clear that she isn’t as special to him as she thought, except for the fact that she resembles his late sister. Which is completely disgusting and bizarre that he has a crush on her because she looks like his sister, but even ignoring that strange writing decision, the movie falls flat on many levels.
Unfortunately Spin Me Round never hits its potential. The set up is there but then nothing really happens. This could have easily been a great thriller with suspense and intense moments, instead it is a sometimes funny, mostly boring, movie.
The majority of the film feels like it is setting up for something crazy to happen. Missteps along the way can be forgiven as it seems like a major twist is coming but then… nothing. Spin Me Round just kind of ends, with nothing to show for it. One of those movies that is all set up up and no delivery. When the credits start to roll, viewers will likely be upset they just wasted an hour and forty minutes of their lives.
Aubrey Plaza’s character. the chain owner’s assistant, is one of the best parts. She is mysterious and adventurous, causing viewers to wonder where this is going and what she has to do with it all — but then she simply disappears with a weak (at best) explanation. This is where the film really starts to take a nosedive into being pointless.
Viewers will be waiting for her to come back into the picture with a big reveal that turns the movie on its head but nope, she is just gone, never to return again. Because of her relationship with the main character, audiences will expect her to be a major part of Spin Me Round, and she is, but only for a short time. Her chemistry with Alison Brie is easily the standout of the entire film, but because of how it all ends with her, it doesn’t make up for the bigger issues with the script.
This movie can’t decide if it is trying to be a comedy or a thriller, and it ends up being neither.
Overall Spin Me Round could have been great. It is a wonderful cast and interesting premise. The set up makes it seem like there are bigger things at play than just this manager retreat, and there are, but unfortunately nothing ever truly happens. What could have been an eerie and suspenseful thriller with shocking twists and turns, ends up being a bizarre movie that can’t ever decide what it wants to be.
Spin Me round falls flat on most levels, making it a boring yet frustrating watch. It just isn’t worth the time.
Rating: 1 out of 5
NEXT: Day Shift Is More Buddy Comedy Than Vampire Movie
About Spin Me Round
When the manager of an American chain restaurant is selected to attend a special training program in Italy, her head swims with dreams of European glamour and romance. But the trip turns out to be much different — and possibly more dangerous — than the exotic getaways she imagines.
IN THEATERS, ON DEMAND AND STREAMING ON AMC+ August 19, 2022.
