Magic
A Terrifying Love Story
Academy Award-winner Anthony Hopkins (The Silence of the Lambs) is Corky, a painfully shy, failed magician who finds overnight success as a ventriloquist. His brash, foul-mouthed dummy, Fats, becomes a huge nightclub hit. With his star on the rise, talent agent Ben Greene (Burgess Meredith) arranges an important shot at national TV. But the pressure of failing the network’s required physical sends Corky into a panic. With Fats in tow, he flees the city to a nearly-deserted resort in the Catskills run by the love of his youth, Peggy Ann Snow (Ann-Margret).
Peg’s spent years trapped in a loveless marriage with her high-school sweetheart, Duke. In Corky, she sees the chance for a loving relationship and accepts an offer to run away with him. After they make love, Corky confides to Fats that he may leave show business altogether. Fats becomes furious and lashes out at him, playing on his guilt and insecurity. Now under Fats’ control, Corky is manipulated into a series of violent and unexpected confrontations.
Based on the best–selling novel by William Goldman and directed by Sir Richard Attenborough (A Bridge Too Far, Gandhi), Magic’s stellar performances and shocking conclusion make for gripping suspense from beginning to end.
Member Reviews
Creepy weird - Sheenie
I think Anthony Hopkins came into his own sometime after this movie was made. His acting is still good in this picture, but I prefer his work that came later. I love watching movies from the 70s because I was just a little girl then and always get a kick out of what life was like. This is kind of a weird movie - and the talking dummy is really creepy - but if you like creepy and weird you won't be disappointed.Entertainingly Bad - JMac
Let's look at why I zipped "Magic". One, Anthony Hopkins - This knight can make any movie tolerable and any character unforgettable. We all know he made Hannibal Lector into one of the silver screen's most horrifying villains, but his turn as Van Helsing (Bram Stoker's Dracula) and Titus Andronicus (Titus) are equally worthy of praise. Two, Burgess Meredith - the name might not be instantly recognizable, but good ol' Burgess played Mickey (Sly Stallone's trainer in the Rocky franchise) and The Penguin (on the 60s Batman TV series). Third and finally, writer William Goldman, who is responsible for one of my all-time favourite movies "The Princess Bride". So, with these three things going for it, why is "Magic" so horrible? Well frankly it's a 30 minute episode of the Twilight Zone stretched over 2 hours. Hopkins and Meredith help some of the time pass by pleasantly and Ann Margaret is very easy on the eyes, but there's just not enough substance to support the feature length film. While I don't wish for the two hours of my life back, I'm sure there's a campy horror movie that would make better use of your time.
Cheers.Hmmm...okay... - Filmgal
This one is a little weird. Not really bad, but just different. And creepy.
Anthony Hopkins is Corky, a magician/ventriloquist who has reached the height of fame and has a mental breakdown. Seeking refuge, he returns to his childhood town and rents a cottage from a woman he loved in his youth. Their romance is rekindled despite her husband and Corky's ever-present companion, Fats, the dummy. Soon Fats begin to control Corky leading him to murder as he drifts further away from sanity.
Shocking at times, the film is never really scary or suspenseful. Most of the fun lies in the sight of a young Anthony Hopkins playing with a dummy that bears a striking resemblance to himself. It avoids the gore and gruesomeness that similar "doll" films like the "Chucky" series.
Its not a bad film, but there are more worth-while ones to add to your Ziplist. If you're a fan of Hopkins, then rent this flick, otherwise, pass on it in favour of soemthing else.
Member Reviews
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Creepy weird - Sheenie
I think Anthony Hopkins came into his own sometime after this movie was made. His acting is still good in this picture, but I prefer his work that came later. I love watching movies from the 70s because I was just a little girl then and always get a kick out ...Entertainingly Bad - JMac
Let's look at why I zipped "Magic". One, Anthony Hopkins - This knight can make any movie tolerable and any character unforgettable. We all know he made Hannibal Lector into one of the silver screen's most horrifying villains, but his turn as Van Helsing (Bram ...Hmmm...okay... - Filmgal
This one is a little weird. Not really bad, but just different. And creepy.
Anthony Hopkins is Corky, a magician/ventriloquist who has reached the height of fame and has a mental breakdown. Seeking refuge, he returns to his childhood town and rents ...