 Dark Sky Films // Buy from Amazon.comAcademy Award-winner Anthony Hopkins (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. "Magic" is truly a kooky flick, but one that holds the viewer's interest throughout and manages to really suck you into the surprisingly-odd story. Involving a man who may or may not be mentally balanced and his sidekick ventriloquist dummy (who seems to run, and interfere, with the man's life), this is not your typical 70s b-movie, but instead is superbly delivered by such notable names as Anthony Hopkins, Burgess Meredith and Ann-Margret. "Squirm" this is not. I guess what surprised me the most about this film is how engorssed I was while watching it, and how much I enjoyed it. Given the story outline, I thought I was in for a (painfully enjoyable) hoot, but much to my amazement, this film delivered on all counts. A hidden classic has been resurrected by the fine folks @ Dark Sky Films - thanks muchly! Video The 16x9 anamorphic widescreen transfer is a beauty -- very clean, razor-sharp picture that is much higher quality than what you might expect for this 30 year-old, little-seen sleeper. Audio Dolby Digital 2.0 mono mix does the job - clean, clear & good. Extras Closing Thoughts Surprisingly engaging quirky flick + nice selection of extras = underrated gem that's easy to recommend |
