Jon Monsarrat review: too slow paced, skip it

Rating: 6/10 (22 July 2006)

I think I failed some kind of IQ test because I got the idea that Anthony Hopkins was playing a native American Indian (or 1/2 blood) by the title. Also I thought the land speed record that was set might have been the actual world's record, not the small motorcycle record. Either would have made the film more interesting.
Also I thought the story would involve more racing. And there might be some real adversity. Instead we are subjected to struggles such as "His crate got damaged in shipping. Is the bike OK???", and "Will they let him in through customs??", and "Is he going to be allowed to register late for the competition??" Oh my god, the suspense is killing me. Not.
Anthony Hopkins can make anything interesting, and yes, it's a true story of perseverance that is worth of respect. But compelling struggles usually involve people, not engineering tasks or travel logistics.
Anyway, I thought it was adequate, and give it a 6 out of 10, but I was disappointed and thought it might be more like October Sky, which is a really amazing story about a boy who wants to be a rocket scientist, which you should definitely see. Or Rudy, which I enjoyed even though I'm not a football person.
Who should see this film:
-- Arty types, I can't stop you anyway. The film is more a character sketch than a plot-driven movie so you'll probably eat it up.
-- Racing fans
-- Action-movie lovers, skip it, the amount of action is minimal
Can't think of anyone else. I'll give The World's Fastest Indian a 6 out of 10.