Formulaic docudrama; a star vehicle for Anthony Hopkins

Rating: 5/10 (2 June 2006)

Formulaic docudrama about Burt Munro (Anthony Hopkins), an aging New Zealand eccentric who dreamed of setting a land speed record for small motorcycles. In 1967, he got his wish, journeying to the Bonneville Salt Flats with his jerry-rigged 1920 Indian motorcycle, where he did get the record he coveted. Munro returned to Bonneville for the next eight years, setting additional records, at least one of which still stands.
Unfortunately, this overly long movie is awash in nostalgia and lacking in suspense. It also features a dreadful supporting cast, either indicating a budget set too low, faulty directing, or both. We have here nothing other than a star vehicle for Mr. Hopkins, and he does a nice job, getting the accent right and showing plenty of pluck. But the movie is too much of a burden even for his broad shoulders. My grade: C+ 5.5/10.