September 28, 2001
By Veronica Mixon
When a childhood friend dies, Bobby Garfield
(David Morse) finds that he's drawn back to the
place he grew up and the summer when he was eleven
years old. Hearts of Atlantis is
a coming of age story about a boy's peek at adult
fears and tribulations. It is a marvelously crafted
film that is also well acted.
Back in 1960, Bobby played skillfully by Anton
Yelchin (15 Minutes and Along
Came a Spider) lived a frugal life
with his bitter, widowed mother, Liz (Hope Davis).
His father has been dead for six years and Liz
still can't forgive him for leaving her lonely
and poor. Suddenly, a new tenant arrives and Liz
takes an instant dislike to Ted Brautigan (Anthony
Hopkins). "When your mother puts 'bad' on someone,
she writes it in ink," Ted tells Bobby after his
mother lashes out in anger.
Nevertheless, the two become instant friends
and Liz is jealous because her son, who badly
needs a male role model, no longer acts as her
audience. Through his adventures with Ted, Bobby
discovers that his father was a generous guy and
well liked - something his mother has never revealed
to him. As Ted grows close with Bobby and his
best friend, Carol Gerber (Mika Boorem), he senses
that their friendship will change soon and tells
Bobby. She will be his first love. Meanwhile,
Bobby realizes that Ted has a special gift - he
has visions. Also, Bobby guesses that Ted is hiding
from someone but the boy is more concerned with
the love he feels. He's no longer so lonely.
Hearts of Atlantis is a gentle
surprise with a marvelous performance by Anthony
Hopkins, who thrilled audiences earlier this year
as Dr. Lector in Hannibal. He and young
Anton Yelchin and Mika Boorem (The Patriot)
are fantastic. So, is Hope Davis (Mumford)
who delivers a superb performance as a woman who
has been disappointed in life. Director Scott
Hicks (Shine) creates a beautiful nostalgic
setting of the 1960s with root beer, idyllic summer
play in the woods and childhood danger from big
boy bullies. This is a delightful film to watch.
