Customer Reviews

Hearts in Atlantis

5 star:		(59)
4 star:		(61)
3 star:		(32)
2 star:		(27)
1 star:		(26)

 

 

Not having read the Stephen King book upon which this movie was based, I had no expectations of this film. In fact, after seeing the film, I was surprised that it had been based upon a Stephen King book, as it seemed so far removed from anything to do with horror, the supernatural, or science fiction. It also has nothing to do with the lost continent of Atlantis.

The movie is, essentially, a coming of age film, and a particularly good one, at that. It opens with a middle aged man, Bobby Garfield (David Morse), returning home for the funeral of his childhood best friend. While there, he stops by his old home and begins reminiscing in his mind's eye, remembering growing up with those with whom he had lost touch, his now deceased friend and his first girl friend, Carol Gerber (Mika Boorem).

The viewer then sees eleven year old Bobby Garfield (Anton Yelchin) living with his selfish, self absorbed, widowed mother, Liz Garfield (Hope Davis) in that very same house. A mysterious older man, loner Ted Brautigan (Anthony Hopkins), takes up residence in an upstairs apartment in that house. He becomes a sort of a grandfather figure to Bobby, and a warm relationship develops between the two. Bobby gets from Ted what he is unable to get from his mother. Ted helps Bobby at a time in his life, when he sorely needed an interested adult, as his mother seems unable or unwilling to step up to home plate.

Ted reveals to Bobby that some mysterious people, referred to only as the "low men" are after him. Ted enlists Bobby's aid in looking out for them. It also appears that Ted has some kind of extra sensory perception. It is a gift of which Bobby becomes aware, as Ted and Bobby begin to look out for each other. This apparent psychic ability, however, is not the focus of the movie and is somewhat incidental.

The film is simply an atmospheric, well rendered coming of age film, marked by nostalgia and the strong performances of its actors. Velvet voiced Anthony Hopkins is superb as the perceptive Ted Brautigan, giving yet another beautifully nuanced performance. Anton Yelchin is wonderfully natural in the role the young Bobby Garfield. The rest of the supporting cast is excellent, as well.

The only thing that mars the film is the reference to the "low men". At first, I thought it was to "law men" that Ted was referring. I found the use of the term "low men", without some explanation, distracting. Since William Goldman had apparently made changes to the book when he wrote the screenplay, he should have excised this term, as it serves only to be distracting rather than mysterious, especially as the "low men" seemed likely to be simply some sort of secret government agents.

The DVD provides the usual excellent sound and audio a viewer has come to expect from a high quality DVD. It has a feature length audio commentary of the film by its director, Scott Hicks, as well as a fairly lengthy interview with Anthony Hopkins, that makes the price of the DVD well worth it.

After Rob Reiner pulled Stephen King movies out of the B-movie cellar with Stand By Me (and later Misery), it is hard to remember the late seventies and early eighties era when a Stephen King movie meant cheesy production and bad acting. I think the resulting improvement in quality actually inspired better writing from Mr. King, though I have nothing to support my opinion. Perhaps King was simply improving with age and experience.

What I find most amusing is that the theatrical films based on King novels have become the most literary and introspective works, while the chills n' thrills are relegated to TV miniseries, i.e. Rose Red.

Hearts in Atlantis continues the string of successful King adaptations such as Shawshank Redemption, The Green Mile, and the underrated Dolores Claiborne. Anyone who has read the book already knows the story of Bobbie Garfield and Ted Brautigan in the fateful summer of 1960. "Low Men in Yellow Coats" was the most powerful story in the collection that make up Hearts, and the title actually comes from the second novella in the book, which features different characters in another time and place. In the book, the Low Men were tied to Stephen King's Dark Tower mythos, and I was hoping the movie would keep that connection; however, the screenwriters decided to make the movie self-contained and turned the Low Men into shadowy government figures, definitely human and not nearly as scary. But that's a minor thing.

Anthony Hopkins was his usual excellent self, but I was especially impressed by Hope Davis in the thankless role of Bobbie's mother. She managed to convey bitterness, sadness, love and fear in a very understated performance. I totally bought this character and felt that she was far more complex than the character of Brautigan.

The supporting players were not as well fleshed out, and I didn't care for the hackneyed subplot with the bullies. Most of the secondary characters and events from the book were cut severely for the film version in favor of concentrating on the three principal characters, which is kind of disappointing but understandable for reasons of length. However, I still felt at times as though I were watching the Cliff Notes version of the story.

Hearts in Atlantis is a quiet and effective coming-of-age tale that marries the strength of Stephen King's writing with a smart screenplay (courtesy of William Goldman), top-notch acting, and direction (Scott Hicks of Shine fame). I 'heart'-ily recommend it.

Revisiting his boyhood home, Robert Garfield flashes back to age eleven, and his vivid memories as a rather sad, fatherless boy coming of age. Portrayed during the cold war era, Bobby (Anton Yelchin) lives alone with single-mom (Hope Davis). Befriended by mysterious new renter from upstairs, Ted Brautigan (Anthony Hopkins), Bobby receives his rite of passage into manhood from Ted's quiet statements about life, such as, "You think your mother knows your thoughts, but she doesn't. That's a mother's power." and other empathic messages. For those who are seasoned literary artists, this statement, found at the heart of the film, arcs several situations being portrayed, the present one at the table where they're sitting, the certain abilities the "low men who wear dark hats and coats and cast long shadows" have in seeking out and finding Ted Brautigan, and again the overshadowed undercurrent an entire country felt during the hush hush of the cold war era about "mother Russia" (who at the time was deeply involved in harnessing certain powers). Have I left any out, Stephen? This is indeed a powerful film written by a Master that appeals to both the literary and general audiences. From the beginning of his career until now, his audience has also made it's rite of passage on the tidbits Mr Hopkins has shared with his faithful viewers. Who could pass up a King and Hopkins film? Bravo! Hearts in Atlantis is one of the most successful and heartwarming films of the century with a perfect cast of characters to carry forth the meaning of each role. Excellent job!

"Hearts in Atlantis" was an extremely sweet and
funny movie that I enjoyed immensely, even though I walked into the
theater expecting to hate it. I'm not usually a fan of period pieces
or movies where poor children experience the cruelty of growing up,
but this was a far cry different. It had the innocent-yet-funny
mentality of TV shows like "Wonder Years" or "Freaks
and Geeks". Anton Yelchin definetly won points with me for being
a child actor that isn't in the least bit annoying or whiny. He
impossibly stole the show from the great Anthony Hopkins (who was also
great, as always).

I can't recommend "Hearts in Atlantis"
highly enough for people in the mood for a movie devoid of explosions,
sex, and dirty jokes. Not that I'm against any of those things, but
once in a while it's nice to get something different.

"Hearts in Atlantis" is a touching and nicely done film. It has a good story to it and it is greatly enjoyable. It is about a young boy who lives in a small town in Connecticut with his mother and his the events that take place when a man(Anthiny Hopkins) comes to stay in their house with them. There is much more to the story, but you have to go see it to find out what else. I greatly enjoyed this film. There have been so many awful films this year that it was nice to see a really good one for a change that I did not walk out of feeling any bit of disappointment for. I think Anthony Hopkins did a great job in this film and should definitely be recognized for it when oscar nominations are decided. Also, the young boy in the film is good too. It was really nice to see good acting by a young actor for a change, most child actors couldn't act to save their lives. I also really liked director Scott Hicks directing style. He makes some of the best looking films out there and he really uses his gift with this film. So if you read this review, take my advice and go see this film because it really is one of the better ones out there today.

Once again, Anthony Hopkins has thrown his pixie dust on another film. This man exudes movie magic. He is so real and the film is so well directed, you quickly forget you're watching a film and soon become a voyeur in the lives of Ted Brautigan (Hopkins) and 11-year-old Bobby Garfield, who find themselves as neighbors and fast friends.

Young Bobby Garfield (superbly acted by Anton Yelchin) lives with his widowed mother, who is a bitter, self-absorbed and very selfish woman. She has her own car and is constantly buying herself new dresses, but the only gift she has for her son on his birthday is a free public library card. He is forced to ride on the handlebars of his girlfriend's bike as the two youngsters bond through difficult circumstances.

It's the early 60s... post McCarthy era and during the Cold War... and the "low men," assumingly government agents, are seeking Ted for his uncanny gift of reading the hearts of people and seeing things before they happen. While Ted could obviously make a financial killing by placing bets on races he all-too-well knows the outcome of, but we see him do this only once, out of desparation, to be able to skip town to avoid the "low men." He otherwise lives in obscurity and in very modest means.

Ted's failing eyesight has him "employing" young Bobby to read the newspaper to him and to keep his eyes out for the "Low men." In return, Ted tutors Bobby and treats him with respect and as a true friend.

A father-son relationship soon develops that Bobby's mother is intensely jealous and suspicious of.

Bobby is torn... do the "low men" really exist? When he sees signs that they might... does he warn Ted, thereby having Ted flee the town and be out of Bobby's life forever, or does he keep it to himself and hope it all just goes away.

Ted is a kind spirit... much like the literary Christ-figures so popular in the "mainstream" Stephen King films such as "The Green Mile" and "The Shawshank Redemption." The emotional bond between Bobby and Ted brings you in and you feel like you are a part of the bond.

Many of the scenes are too long and/or too intense for very young viewers, but the PG-13 rating is appropriate. My only regret is that there are no "behind the scenes" clips or interviews w/ the cast on this disc. I highly recommend this film.

I've read the book and seen the film in the theater. I must say that this may be the first time in history where the film is actually better than the book. Which says a lot, because the book is fantastic.
I like the fact that the film never reveals who the "low men" are ... the book's explanation felt more like a comercial for another of King's books (if you've read "Hearts in Atlantis", you know what I mean). On a side note ... the reviewer that insists that the low men are FBI agents is completely wrong. Their identity is never revealed in the film. It isn't even hinted that they're FBI.
The film is essencially a cross between the film Stand By Me and an episode of X Files. There's a spookiness to the main story, which focuses around Bratigan's claravoyance. But, the back story is a believable, nostalgic look at growing up. Anyone that has fallen in love with the girl next door, or has been threatened by the neighborhood bully can relate.
The film is based on the first of five stories in King's novel Hearts in Atlantis. It would be interesting to see sequels based on the other stories. However, based on the film's reception by critics, I won't hold my breath.

I read this Stephen King novel with a great deal of interest. It's characters and story line so full of depth, I rushed to the movie theatre when this film was released, full of expectations.

The novel, was written in three sections. Three seperate stories that all entwine. My main disappointment with the movie was that only the first section of the book was covered. When the film was over, I was left thirsting for the rest of the story.

From what the film covers, Ted Brautigan (Anthony Hopkins), moves to a new town and finds residence in a two suite home. The occupants of the other suite are young Bobby Garfield (Anton Yelchin), and his bitter, domineering mother (Hope Davis). A friendship is formed between Bobby and Ted, when Ted offers to pay Bobby to read the newspaper to him, due to his failing eyesight. The real point of this "job" is for Bobby to keep on the lookout for "the lowmen" who are after Ted, due to his strange, yet facinating extra sensory powers.

As wonderful an actor as Hopkins is, he failed to portray Ted for what he really is. Ted is extremely intelligent and well read, and Hopkins portrays this side of him beautifully. However, Ted is also what could be described as "white trash." I'm sorry, but you can put a cigarette in Hopkins mouth, and have him wear a wife beater undershirt, but he will still come across as far too classy for a character with Ted's background. Ted has brains, and he knows how to use them. He is also capable of exercising tact. However, classy is not a word that would or should be used to describe Ted.

Bobby's mother (Hope Davis) in the book is so cruel and hot tempered, she can make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up. However, in the movie, although she is somewhat cruel and domineering, she never reaches the state she obtains in the book. While watching the film, I would see her temper flare, and I would patiently wait for her to get that certain flash in her eye and spit out the words that would make me cower in my seat...but it never happened.

Bobby and his friend/love interest Carol (Mika Booren), are the only two characters who were able to achieve everything their characters were meant to be. Their friendship and affection for one another comes across as genuine, and for a moment you can forget that it is only a film.

Overall, Hearts In Atlantis is a good movie, with a decent story and some heart clenching scenes, but it does seem to be desperately reaching for the quality held by the Green Mile. It strives for that quality, but falls a bit short.

To all who are unfamiliar with the book, I would recommend this film. To all who have read the book, you will enjoy some aspects, but your expectations will not be met.

Hearts in Atlantis tells the story of a young boy Bobby Garfield (Anton Yelchin) and the mysterious boarder upstairs Ted Brautigan (Anthony Hopkins). Until Ted moves in, all Bobby thinks about is hanging out with his best friends Carol and Sully, saving up for his dream bike, and avoiding the private school bullies. As Bobby befriends Ted, he becomes involved in a strange world full of magic and danger.

Hearts in Atlantis unfolds beautifully as Ted's mysterious secret is revealed to Bobby. It's continually engaging and surprising. Strong performances by child actors Anton Yelchin and Mika Boorem as well as the always excellent Hope Davis punctuate the power of the story. Though the film deals with supernatural elements, it's never unbelievable or fantastical. The subtley that comes from seeing the story through the eyes of a boy helps to focus the audience on the real emotions involved, like fear and danger. All around, a great story featuring terrific performances.

When we will finally let Steven King take his rightful place among the great storytellers of our age? Yes, he's the King of Macabre. But the thing that makes him so good at scaring us is that he understands our collective heart and soul. Every character he creates -- scary or otherwise -- is richly textured and multi-dimensional. If you're still convinced that King is one-trick pony, you're missing some beautiful literature. King's "Hearts in Atlantis," along with "Stand By Me," "Shawshank Redemption," and "The Green Mile," should stand shoulder to shoulder with the likes of Kurt Vonnegut, Salman Rushdie, John Irving, Philip Roth, and Tom Robbins. Read this book or watch the movie. Both are terrific, but of course the book has a much wider arc. Hopkins is (as always) a marvel.