[MarkMel]

I just saw the trailer to this and it looks really good with Anthony Hopkins (Sir) playing the lead. Has anyone heard anything about this film?

[Jack Briggs]

It experienced limited release -- and was running here in Los Angeles about a month ago. For those who are not familiar, the "Indian" in the title refers to the legendary motorcycle manufacturer (and not Native Americans).

[Peter Apruzzese]

We had a special premiere of it back in November and it went over very well with the audience. It's still making the rounds as a limited release but may have a wider one in the next month or so as it finally picked up a US distributor at the end of the year.

[Nathan V]

FYI, the title of the film is "The World's Fastest Indian."

[Dave Hackman]

This is one of the best 2005 movies I saw in 2006. No animal spirits or peace pipes are needed for this old New Zealand geezer to achieve ridicules speeds with his uniquely modified seasoned 1920 motorcycle.

Anthony Hopkins plays Burt Munro a motorcycle speed fanatic who lives to go a bit faster every day of his life. His dream is to get his motorcycle speed tested at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah where he hopes to reach 200 mph. His bike does not inspire confidence because it resembles more of a bobsled then a fast motorcycle and often looks like its about to fall apart.

A road trip ensues and this is where Burt shines, as he instantly becomes everyone’s best friend with his personable personality that touches something in everyone he meets. Burt is so easily likeable that it is easy for the viewer to become emotionally attached to him as he heads out to accomplish his dream.

This is a fantastic movie and excellent performance by Hopkins that easily accelerates up to become one of my favorites for 2005 and a great start for 2006.

A

[Joel C]

Probably will have to wait for DVD, but the trailer for this looked very promising, and it was well-reviewed in the Chicago papers.

[MatthewLouwrens]

It is a very good film. It got a very high profile here in New Zealand for obvious reasons (it's a New Zealand film, and the main character is from Invercargill), but it is overall deserved. It's well-made, got a nice performance from Anthony Hopkins, and has the benefit of being a pretty impressive true story with a legitimate feel-good factor.

My main criticism is that the middle part, where Bert goes on a road-trip on his way to the Bonneville Salt Flats, almost feels like Forrest Gump - everyone he meets is immediately charmed by his New Zealand eccentricities, and he meets lots of people who don't play any further part in the story.

But it's a minor criticism at best - it certainly doesn't detract from what is a very enjoyable film.

[Tim Glover]

Saw this one late tonight...pretty good film. A really good performance by Anthony Hopkins. But...the story was one we've seen before in many ways. Still, the kindness "Burt" gets along his journey was touching.

One of Hopkin's best performances in a pretty good film.

7.5/10.

[Andy Sheets]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MatthewLouwrens

My main criticism is that the middle part, where Bert goes on a road-trip on his way to the Bonneville Salt Flats, almost feels like Forrest Gump - everyone he meets is immediately charmed by his New Zealand eccentricities, and he meets lots of people who don't play any further part in the story.

It reminded me of The Straight Story more than anything.

I like Roger Donaldson as a director. He's not a big shot auteur or anything; just a good old craftsman who knows his stuff and can spit out an excellent movie if he's got good material to work with.