MOVIES: Hearts in Atlantis

Watching Hearts in Atlantis, you get the feeling that all involved should have just quit while they were ahead. Though overflowing with talent the likes of Anthony Hopkins, author Stephen King and acclaimed director Scott Hicks, the film cannot escape a fate similar to that of the mythical Atlantis, sinking underneath its own impressive roster. Anthony Hopkins barely registers emotion as Ted Brautigan, the mysterious clairvoyant who moves upstairs and forges a powerful relationship with 11-year-old Bobby Garfield, portrayed memorably by Anton Yelchin. Despite how bravely the resulting mess tries to mimic Stand By Me and The Shawshank Redemption, it becomes a shallow replica of Touched by an Angel, filled with poorly-executed themes of young love, integrity and the supernatural. Hope Davis is completely wasted in the weakly defined role of Garfield's mother, with little room to display her inherent talent and depth, and though Hopkins valiantly tries to appear interested, his boredom is all too evident. Ironically, Hearts in Atlantis lacks the very thing its title professes--any semblance of heart.