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The World's Fastest Indian

Before I delve into this review, I should probably admit to something that will, no doubt, taint my unbiased review of The World's Fastest Indian. I love movies about stubborn old men, love them. I don't know why, perhaps because that is the type of old man I want to become when the time comes. Grumpy Old Men? Love it. Tough Guys? Great. Cocoon? Yuppers. (Come on, "you got a boner too" is classic). Second Hand Lions? Yes, even that sappy as hell movie is fun to me. That being said, I was fairly sure I would enjoy The World's Fastest Indian. Toss in Sir Anthony Hopkins and MacGuyver'esque mechanics and my love for this film was solidified. Based on a true story, The World's Fastest Indian is cut from a similar cloth as The Miracle and Hoosiers; sure, we may know how it ends, but we don't care.

So, with all the above elements in play, did I like it?

Of course I did! That doesn't mean the film is flawless. Far from it. The film never seems to find it's footing from a narrative stand point. At one moment The World's Fastest Indian is all about Speed Week on the Bonneville Flats in Utah. The next moment, it turns into a slightly sappy fish out of water movie as Burt Munro travels from his small southern town in New Zealand. (Yet another movie that makes me want to travel to that country). Although there are a few heavy-handed attempts at sentimentality, the acting skill of Sir Anthony prevents the film from ever becoming too sugary. Even though I knew the facts behind the actual Burt Munro, I still found myself being drawn into the emotional moments that are littered through out the film. I dare any man, yes man, to not tear up a little when Burt first arrives at the flat. Standing there, quoting past achievements, Burt realizes he has come to his own personal heaven and is walking in the footsteps of the gods of speed.

What about the speed?

When Roger Donaldson switches his eye to the speed elements of The World's Fastest Indian, he effectively draws the audience into the moment. I'm not big on racing, but I won't deny that I do love the feeling of controlling a machine and pushing beyond its limits. Roger Donaldson does a great job of making the audience experience that feeling, at least, as much as they can sitting in a darkened theater. Even knowing the outcome of Burt Munro’s attempt on the flats, I still found myself at the edge of my seat whenever Donaldson pushed in fast and tight on Munro’s Indian as it threatens to; literally, shake itself apart as Burt pushes it harder and harder. I can only imagine how people who don’t know the full story of Munro feel at these moments.

A great date movie.

The World's Fastest Indian came out in late 2005, only getting a limited release the movie will be on DVD very soon. However, it is currently playing at the Hollywood Theatre. through April 13, 2006. Men, if you are looking for that perfectly balanced dude / chick flick, The World's Fastest Indian is a very safe bet. About more than a man and his obsession with going fast, the film is filled with enough heart and character to ensure you will both have a great time. Plus, as I stated above, when you find yourself tearing up at Burt’s quest to join the gods of speed, your lovely lady friend will think you're deep and emotional. Sure, she may not get it, but she'll like it just the same. (Yes, I know many women love the gear head stuff as well, don’t send me hate mail). Make some time to check out The World's Fastest Indian, its just one of those movies that makes you feel good…and want to go fast…really fast.

I give The World's Fastest Indian 4 out of 5 Critical Hits!

Finally - Tomorrow, Friday April 7, 2006 – Film Fever Radio. debuts – Be ready!