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Reviews
The World's Fastest Indian (2005)
Hopkins' greatest performance in years
This film is about the story of Burt Munro, who has dreamed of going to the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah to test how fast his 1920 motorcycle would go. He ended up setting a new land speed record. This movie is basically the Anthony Hopkins show and it is his best performance since "Hearts in Atlantis." He has always played these guys who are repressed and evil (and he's played them well), but this guy is more happy go lucky and follows through on his dreams. Hopkins should have gotten an Oscar nomination for his performance, but he didn't. Roger Donaldson directed Tony in "The Bounty" in 1984 and Tony did not work well with him. This time, though, it works and clicks. The guy knew the real Munro and actually did a documentary on him before he died. You could tell that Donaldson and Hopkins worked well together to create a good story. And that's what this film is about. It's a great story with a great actor in it. See this movie!!!
The Good Father (1985)
What a great movie!!
This movie solidified why I like Anthony Hopkins so much. He is seething with such rage and horror. It amazes me that he can act like this, but in some movies he can be so calm, like another film that was released the same year this one was, 84 Charring Cross Road (costarring the great Anne Bancroft.) The reason I love The Good Father is because it's a very interesting story and it shows several talents that hadn't quite made it yet. Hopkins hadn't yet made The Silence of the Lambs. Jim Broadbent, who plays the man Hopkins' character is trying to help get his son back, hadn't won his Oscar for his role in Iris. Also Mike Newell, the director, hadn't made a name for himself either. After this film, he made Four Weddings and a Funeral. If you want to see a great drama with superb performances, watch this film. If you like Hopkins in anything, then definitely see this movie.
The Human Stain (2003)
A good movie with great acting
I know a lot of people did not like this movie mainly because of the casting decisions of Hopkins and Kidman. I totally disagree with them. They are the perfect actors for such different roles. While it may be hard to picture Hopkins as a light-skinned black man from New Jersey, he pulls off the emotional arc that is essential for his character. The same is true of Kidman. She may not look like a white trash person, but she clearly works through Faunia's problems and shows her anger and frustration. I have no doubt that Kidman and Ed Harris will be nominated for Supporting Oscars. I only hope that Hopkins will be nominated because he gave such a great performance. I highly recommend this film, if only for the performances of this fine cast.
Magic (1978)
Great film, if only a little long
I had been looking for this film for a long time and I finally saw it on Bravo. This is one of those films that just scares you every time you see it. I knew of the story and I didn't know what to expect from Anthony Hopkins, who is my favorite actor right now. He amazes me in every single performance and he succeeded here too. Like many reviewers have said in their reviews, the best scene in the movie has to be with Hopkins trying not to make Fats speak for five minutes. That scene alone is one of the best in the film. That alone should tell you right away why you should definitely rent (if you can find it) this movie.