 |
|
||||
|
 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Upcoming Release Calendar
38
12 Rounds Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed movies.
|
Hearts in Atlantis
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 |
|
||||||||||||
MPAA RATING: PG-13 for violence and thematic elements
Starring Anthony Hopkins, Anton Yelchin, Hope Davis, Mika Boorem, and David Morse
Based on the novel by Stephen King, this drama focuses on an orphaned boy (Yelchin) who forms a friendship with a middle-aged man (Anthony Hopkins), and discovers depths of courage and forgiveness he never imagined. (Warner Bros.)
| GENRE(S): | Drama |
| WRITTEN BY: |
Stephen King (novel)
William Goldman |
| DIRECTED BY: | Scott Hicks |
| RELEASE DATE: |
DVD: February 12, 2002 Video: February 12, 2002 Theatrical: September 28, 2001 |
| RUNNING TIME: | 115 minutes, Color |
| ORIGIN: | USA |
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...
The average user rating for this movie is 7.2 (out of 10) based on 22 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.
Jim M. gave it a1:
SHORT VERSION: Read the book; skip the film. LONG VERSION: I am a recently “revived” fan of Stephen King. As a teen, I loved the Shining, both book and film, and then read 4-5 more books, such as Cujo, Christine, and the Stand. Now in my forties, I’ve recently finished reading King’s Dark Tower series, considered his greatest work by many (including me), and I’ve found a new interest in reading his writings. I’ve started reading all the books which are related in some way to the Dark Tower series, of which Hearts in Atlantis is one. Hearts in Atlantis is a collection of novellas strung together by common characters, all of whom appear as the three childhood friends in the first novella on which the movie is based. This movie is based on that first novella, called Low Men in Yellow Coats. I think Stephen King is a master storyteller. His genre (horror, sci-fi) probably puts serious critics off, but King’s Constant Readers know what snooty critics cannot- the simple joy of chilling or suspenseful stories set in everyday American lives and settings. Having read the Dark Tower magnum opus (the Gunslinger Series of seven novels) before I read Hearts in Atlantis, I was able to even better appreciate the themes and references the two hold in common. It was like meeting old friends again, and catching up on old times. It must be very difficult creating believable screenplays from Stephen King books (or any books, for that matter), since it is so rarely done well. Books CAN make great films, as Stanley Kubrick (dir., The Shining) fans like me know; but it must be very hard to do. The movie versions of King books have, I’ve noticed, rarely survived their translation into film. This is a terrible tragedy, especially to those of us who, like King himself, love scary stories and scary movies. The film version of Hearts in Atlantis was very poorly translated, in my opinion. Within the first act, I realized how loosely based on the novella this movie would be, but still held out hope for a hint of King’s genius for creating believable characters. Instead, the screenplay and performances by everyone, including Hopkins I am sad to say, were stilted, wooden, and felt like a bad school play. Some critics have noted how family friendly this movie is. King books are not for families, as a general rule. This movie felt like a failed attempt at making a great King story into an ABC after school special. Surely there are better sources of material for family-friendly film fare than Stephen King books! For all things creepy, weird, and believably spooky, though, just go to your local bookstore and pick up any King book. Removing from the Atlantis film all references to the Crimson King, the Breakers, and Ted Brautigan’s connections to the Dark Tower epic, lowered the movie to a poor reflection of King’s original story. By acting, art direction, and directing that lacked passion and devotion to its roots in Stephen King’s devotion to believable characters, this film, in my opinion, went all the way down to the level of frustrating waste of time.
Ronnie W. gave it a9:
Wonderful movie... great story. i wish there are more movies like this.
Sam gave it a10:
In my opinion, this is a spectacular, underated motion picture landmark. The acting, especially Mr. Hopkins. I was impressed with how the plot was about tellepathy and real-life happenings. Not some gazer beam trying to fry the world or some terrorist with a nuclear missle that'll alter the moon's orbit making chaos on earth. No, this is real stuff people. Rape, abuse, loss of a family member, loss of a friend, and financial problems. Spectacular overall, this is one of the best movies I have ever seen.
Tyler C. gave it a 2:
There was no real explanation to anything. I don't understand the power that Anthony Hopkins had. I don't understand why they were looking for him. I really don't understand the title of the movie except that there was a brief description of how magical atlantis might have been. That is one sentence in this God forsaken movie. Stephen King is a much better writer when he is going through withdrawl.
Iva gave it a 10:
This story is a masterpiece. Leaves me yearning for more, even after my tear ducts have been left dry.
raVen gave it an 8:
Please please PLEASE read this book! I watched this movie not realizing that it was based on a King novel. I loved it so much that I bought and read the book, despite my aversion to watching-before-reading. As good as the movie is, it only contains material from the first half of the original story. Much goes untold when novels are chopped or condensed into 75 minutes--as King fans know all too well from other movie outings. Want an example? Watch the movie and try to figure out why it's called "Hearts In Atlantis." Then read the second half of King's book to find out.
Danyell B. gave it a 10:
One of the best movie's i've seen in a while! Great story about the line between fiction and reality... Also tells about human bonding and the hardships of single mothers in that era. Made me cry!!!
 |
Return to top of page |  |
