Nice to see a movie about someone over 40

Rating: Null/10 (9 April 2006)

Had the pleasure of seeing this movie yesterday and it was wonderful. The kind of thing that people of almost every age and background can enjoy. Anthony Hopkins gives maybe his best performance ever (at that's saying something) as he inhabits this character truly and completely. He's amazing to watch, you definitely forget he's Anthony Hopkins.
World's Fastest Indian is the true story of Burt Munro, an old New Zealand bloke who set the land-speed world record at Utah's Bonneville Salt Flats in 1967 in is 1920s style 'Indian' motorcycle racer.
The movie begins in New Zealand and has a remarkable Grandfather/son type storyline which is the heart of the film. He then departs by ship to LA, before towing his motorcycle to Utah. On the way, he experiences culture shock, meets fascinating characters and experiences many setbacks as well as a dream come true.
It's refreshing that the Americans he encounters aren't portrayed as ignorant jerks aholes (as they often are in non-American films) but as genuinely good and interesting human beings. I really enjoyed the Vietnam soldier the drag queen hotel clerk.
This movie's about the persistence and passion of an eccentric enthusiast and how life doesn't have to stop when you get older and isn't worth living if you don't take risks and pursue your dreams.
It's definitely in the 'inspiring feel good' category. The pacing is a little slow but I defy anyone not to enjoy it.
It is worth it for one scene alone where Anthony Hopkins first claps his eyes on the salt flats (he's raced on beaches all his life).
It's so nice when a movie you know nothing about and don't know what to expect, doesn't suck at all.
My only criticism is the ending. I would have liked a scene where the other racers greeted him.