Wednesday, April 26, 2006

I Come From a Land Down Under: Hopkins' performance will keep you in love with Indian


Set in the late 60's in New Zealand, spunky motorcycle enthusiast Burt Monroe, played by the prestigious and always wonderful Anthony (or is it Antony?) Hopkins, dreams of making it to the Salt Flats in the US to set the world record for the fastest Indian (an old type of motorcycle.)

We just keep getting amazing things coming from down under, lately. Australian director Roger Donaldson, who unfortunately also has Dante's Peak under his belt, gives us a great story to watch unfold.

The story, like preceding films lends itself to be slightly too long at points, follows Monroe's travel from New Zealand and across the US. He's a jolly chap that everyone seems to like, even after meeting him for five minutes, and meets many characters along the way. It all builds up to the moment when he reaches his destination of the Bonneville Salt Flats, which is caried out beautifully by Hopkins. That plus some gorgeous imagery makes this film highly enjoyable.

This is the most legitimately feel-good movie I've seen in a long time. It was beautifully done, though not flawless, and amazingly performed (as always, Sir Hopkins.) I recommend this film to anyone. Again, it tends to drag at certain points, but you will find yourself engulfed in the story, so you will not care.

Overall Grade: B

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