Is Around the Fire Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Around the Fire is likely a skip if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 107 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Around the Fire Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1998, Around the Fire emerges as a significant entry in the Drama, Romance domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Simon is an intelligent and privileged young man whose family expects him to become a Princeton graduate. Unlike standard genre fare, Around the Fire attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and Around the Fire features a noteworthy lineup led by Devon Sawa . Supported by the likes of Bill Smitrovich and Tara Reid , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Around the Fire (1998) is negative. With an audience rating of 3.3/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Around the Fire Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Around the Fire is a Drama, Romance film that explores complex human emotions and relationships through nuanced character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Around the Fire Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Around the Fire attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to drama resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Around the Fire reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Around the Fire?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Drama films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Around the Fire Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $1.2M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Around the Fire Budget
The estimated production budget for Around the Fire is $1.2M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
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Full Cast & Crew of Around the Fire
- Devon Sawa – Simon Harris
- Bill Smitrovich – Matt Harris
- Tara Reid – Jennifer
- Eric Mabius – Andrew
- Colman Domingo – Trace
Top Highlights
Devon SawaSimon Harris
Bill SmitrovichMatt Harris
Tara ReidJennifer
Eric MabiusAndrew
Colman DomingoTrace
Charlayne WoodardKate
Stephen TobolowskyDoc
Henri LubattiKevin
John PirruccelloJoe
Daphne BrogdonSimon's mother
Where to Watch Around the Fire Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video with Ads🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video
Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoFandango At HomeParents Guide & Age Rating
Around the Fire is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains romantic content. It is intended for mature audiences only.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 3.3/10, and global collection metrics, Around the Fire stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1998 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Around the Fire movie hit or flop?
Around the Fire is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 3.3/10 and lower collections.
Is Around the Fire worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 3.3/10, Around the Fire may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
Where can I watch Around the Fire online?
Around the Fire is currently available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video. You can also check for it on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads depending on your region.
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Critic Reviews for Around the Fire
Although Tara reid is a horrible actor, this movie is still pretty funny. She the only bad one in the movie.
movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
