While some argue that the recently Wes Craven-driven horror genre of film - a genre that writer Stephen King is no stranger to, has become extremely formulaic, one can also argue that there's a new genre that is becoming increasingly formulaic: the Stephen King fantasy/drama. Take the film adaptation's of "The Green Mile" and "The Shawshank Redemption"; both feature cinematography based around a bygone era and both feature human will triumphing over the long odds and injustices that life brings.
It is fitting then that the latest miraculous tale translated from King's pen to the silver screen begins with a flashback, similar to the early scenes in "The Green Mile". It is also fitting that the tale center around an odd, mysterious character with the ability to work miracles - this time played by the stately Anthony Hopkins as the enigmatic Ted Brautigan instead of the imposing Michael Clarke Duncan as gentle giant John Coffey. Yet another recurring theme is present in an adaptation of a Stephen King work in the focus of children and that aura of magic that exudes from them. This was also seen in King movies such as "The Shining" and "It" where children are capable of much more than their adult counterparts. Chances are if you've watched another movie based on a King work, you'll probably notice some common themes strewn together in "Hearts In Atlantis".
Yet as cookie-cutter as the movie seems, it is extremely well done. Hopkins is perfect as the genial but odd boarder in young Bobby Garfield's life. Anton Yelchin and Mika Boorem are simply delightful as the pre-teen sweethearts Bobby Garfield and Carol Gerber and Hope Davis plays the token troubled single mother to a T. The score, primarily composed of late 1950's tunes, while a bit of an anachronism considering the time is in the 1960's, fits perfectly. Yet what is truly amazing is the cinematography. The late Piotr Sobocinski did an excellent job of capturing the colors and look of the era; the picture doesn't look too drab and dreary nor does it look too bright and whimsical.
The movie itself is typical dramatic King-fare; an enigmatic yet incredibly figure impacts the lives of all those around him, in this case, several children in a low-income Connecticut neighborhood. It's your classic coming-of-age tale with a supernatural King-twist, centering around how young Bobby Garfield matures in one magical summer thanks to his relationship with Hopkins' genial boarder Ted Brautigan. It's nothing you probably haven't seen before, but it's done so well that it's well worth seeing. The performances are excellent, the cinematography is stunning and direction is solid. Though a bit formulaic, this King tale is definitely a magical journey you'll love taking.
It is fitting then that the latest miraculous tale translated from King's pen to the silver screen begins with a flashback, similar to the early scenes in "The Green Mile". It is also fitting that the tale center around an odd, mysterious character with the ability to work miracles - this time played by the stately Anthony Hopkins as the enigmatic Ted Brautigan instead of the imposing Michael Clarke Duncan as gentle giant John Coffey. Yet another recurring theme is present in an adaptation of a Stephen King work in the focus of children and that aura of magic that exudes from them. This was also seen in King movies such as "The Shining" and "It" where children are capable of much more than their adult counterparts. Chances are if you've watched another movie based on a King work, you'll probably notice some common themes strewn together in "Hearts In Atlantis".
Yet as cookie-cutter as the movie seems, it is extremely well done. Hopkins is perfect as the genial but odd boarder in young Bobby Garfield's life. Anton Yelchin and Mika Boorem are simply delightful as the pre-teen sweethearts Bobby Garfield and Carol Gerber and Hope Davis plays the token troubled single mother to a T. The score, primarily composed of late 1950's tunes, while a bit of an anachronism considering the time is in the 1960's, fits perfectly. Yet what is truly amazing is the cinematography. The late Piotr Sobocinski did an excellent job of capturing the colors and look of the era; the picture doesn't look too drab and dreary nor does it look too bright and whimsical.
The movie itself is typical dramatic King-fare; an enigmatic yet incredibly figure impacts the lives of all those around him, in this case, several children in a low-income Connecticut neighborhood. It's your classic coming-of-age tale with a supernatural King-twist, centering around how young Bobby Garfield matures in one magical summer thanks to his relationship with Hopkins' genial boarder Ted Brautigan. It's nothing you probably haven't seen before, but it's done so well that it's well worth seeing. The performances are excellent, the cinematography is stunning and direction is solid. Though a bit formulaic, this King tale is definitely a magical journey you'll love taking.