Better Than Disney's Atlantis

As you can probably tell from the previews, Hearts in Atlantis is a goodhearted drama. What you may not be able to tell is that it was adapted from a book by Stephen King, better known for The Shining and Cujo. The whole trick is to see how well such a project translates onto film.

Oddly enough, Hearts is good stuff. Director Scott Hicks does a good job of keeping the view and scope understated; the character driven film absolutely requires it. Hicks made his mark with Shine. Make no mistake: King's plot about a man with psychic powers who is being followed by government agents who need him to weed out communists during the red scare (whew! it's a small part of the story.) is not what should draw you to this movie. What should draw you is the good acting on a small stage.

Hopkins plays Ted Braudigan, the man with powers. He arrives at the small town home of Bobby (Anton Yelchin) looking for lodging. You'd have to be dim as a worn out light bulb not to realize that something isn't odd about Mr. Brodegan. For example, he calls Bobby ”Robert.” My God, he's so cultured! The other thing is that he gives long and thought provoking soliloquies about seemingly insignificant subjects, which are funny, but definitely not ha-ha funny. More of a charming that-old-man-can-tell-a-tale funny. This is the only thing about Brodegan that might wear on you. Hopkins plays the role with such grace, though, that you'll hardly notice. Kudos to the casting director for finding Yelchin, who is called on to literally carry part of the film and does a bang up job.

Bobby is neglected by his mother, who is driven by her career and her own selfish wants. And perhaps she's not so selfish, her priorities are simply in the wrong place. She's played by Hope Davis, who gives her character unusual coldness; you won't like her. Braudigan becomes the father figure that Bobby is missing, and that troubles his mother, who is worried that he might have pedophiliac leanings. Braudigan keeps telling Bobby he is worried about ”low men” who may come and try to take him away. Bobby agrees to look out for them. One day, Ted is having one of his psychic episodes, and young Bobby absorbs some of his power: for a time. The rest of the movie is dominated by Bobby's relationship with his Carol, Ted, his Mother, and others, and how these relationships change for the better because of Ted.

As heartwarming as the movie is, as cuddly as its theme is, don't forget that this is adapted from part of a book by Stephen King. Rape, the pedophilia suspicions mentioned, and Ted revealing a bully's ironic and halfway disturbing secret are all part of the fun. You might not expect it to be, but the climax is very climactic.

The composed score is absolutely gorgeous. It has a goosebump bringing quality, and it fits the film like a glove. The soundtrack, though, has the most tired and overused oldies you can imagine. I know the point was to show the audience that everything took place in the 60's, but it's clubbing-a-baby-seal obvious.

The question you should ask yourself before buying the ticket to Hearts is this: Can you take Hopkins and Yelchin interacting and acting together for an hour and a half, or is that just a little two much for your constitution? And believe me, I can understand how it could be. But if you think you might like a character-driven dramedy, this is one of those rare opportunities to see a good one.