Magic

If you like ominously quiet, slow-moving films that are so fantastically acted that you can't tear yourself away from them anyway, don't hesitate. Rather than a horror film, however, Magic is a psychological thriller in which Anthony Hopkins absolutely shines, and Jerry Goldsmith's creeping soundtrack with its simple central motif played on a harmonica is one of those soundtracks you won't forget. (15/12/2015)

Magic works much better as a psychological drama than a horror movie, because the tropes of the genre that are inevitably going to turn up here without any surprises and in a fairly classic form. Still, if you already found the ventriloquist's dummy on the poster very disturbing, you have a lot to look forward to. Anthony Hopkins is phenomenal in the dual role (if you can call it that), and certainly carries the whole movie. Plus, I have to say, I was surprised at how dialogue-driven, funny and raunchy the movie was at times. William Goldman is undeniable. To sum it up – you will not get a fright, but you will be interested in the well portrayed characters and you will be totally convinced of the inner conflicts of the main anti-hero. (29/04/2021)

The pace is very slow, but Anthony Hopkins’ brilliant performance as Corky holds the film above water. Every look of his makes clear that there is something wrong with him, and since the whole story revolves around his character and he basically never leaves the screen, you’ll enjoy plenty of those looks. The tension caused by the mere appearance of Corky in the vicinity of a potential victim of his mental disorder is ubiquitous. (14/06/2010)