Review of Hearts in Atlantis (2001) by Jayson H — 09 Jun 2007

As cold as we critics appear to be at times, we do enjoy a good tug at the heartstrings once in a while. This big softy enjoyed Shawshank and Green Mile's emotional journeys into the human spirit. Who can forget the scene where Tom Hanks had to confront Michael Duncan about facing God and answer for Duncan's death?

Hearts in Atlantis didn't achieve such a moment in its arduous plight. I believe the scene that was supposed to bring the viewing audience to tears was the one in which Ted (Anthony Hopkins) is taken away by the low-men. The scene with Ted in the car and Bobby running along, pouring out his heart, is not a bad scene at all; it has the impact required to bring one to tears except for the plot development leading up to it.

Unfortunately, the characters do not suffer or bond enough to allow the viewer to get emotionally attached, which in turn reduces the overall emotion behind the film in its entirety. In scientific terms, the film meets all necessary requirements but lacks the action potential to bring the audience to tears.

Of course, sticking to my philosophy, I do have to admit the film has succeeded in some areas. The costumes, sets, and general atmosphere are first-rate, mimicking a suburb in 1960. Along with the atmosphere, one cannot overlook the performances given by the underrated cast. Needless to say, Sir Anthony turns in his usual stellar performance but more impressive are those of Hope Davis and Anton Yelchin.

Hope Davis is one of those stars who are on the bubble (on the verge of massive stardom). I really enjoy actors when they are at this stage of their careers because the money or the power has yet to corrupt them. Just look at Julia Roberts and Britney Spears; these days you cannot use their names and the word humble in the same sentence.

Getting off that rant, I really appreciated Davis' performance because she genuinely nailed the part of a single mom trying to be a strong independent woman. I have seen real life scenarios of these types of women through various friends and family. They get so headstrong on being independent, they begin to neglect their children's needs. Sure, she may not need a man, but maybe little Bobby does and that's why he bonds so much with Ted.

Without an experienced child actor such as Yelchin, the weak plot would not have moved along at all. Somebody at Warner Brothers should thank their lucky stars that he was cast, considering the problems in the screenplay. Essentially, the story is of Bobby's last childhood summer, so there is going to great deal scenes that Bobby will have to carry load; Anton Yelchin achieves this with style; I hope to see much more of him.

Unfortunately, due to the weak screenplay, this film can be classified as quite the dry viewing experience. I can clearly see what the production crew was trying to accomplish and how they were going about it but it just wasn't in the cards. I highly recommend viewing this film on a Sunday afternoon; the lack of emotionally charged scenes makes Hearts in Atlantis a lifeless, predictable viewing experience that will put you to sleep. I know; I've made the mistake of watching films like this at 11:00 at night and have gone out like a light?