THE WORLD'S FASTEST INDIAN

Anthony Hopkins burns some serious rubber in THE WORLD’S FASTEST INDIAN. The film is based on the real-life story of Burt Munro, a New Zealander who dreamt of reaching the United States to race his motorcycle in the annual Speed Week in Utah. Anthony Hopkins portrays Burt, an eccentric and jolly old man determined to race overseas. The word “Indian” in the film’s title refers to the 1920’s engine used to move Burt’s cycle.

THE WORLD’S FASTEST INDIAN follows a familiar underdog formula, but seems uniquely new thanks to a subtle, wonderful and joyful performance from Hopkins. Hopkins, who will mostly be remembered for his deliciously twisted performance as Hannibal Lecter, turns in a remarkably lovable take on the New Zealand dragster. His Burt is really one-of-a-kind. Burt is eccentric, without seeming weird; ignorant to American culture, but certainly not stupid; and he’s also a daredevil, but not in the cocky, brash sense, yet a man who realizes the mission he must accomplish. The film was written and directed by Ronald Donaldson, whose past films have included such Hollywood action films as DANTE’S PEAK and SPECIES. With THE WORLD’S FASTEST INDIAN, Donaldson shows he can dig deep into a warm and engaging character, while still keeping the racing scenes crackling.

Grade: B