Harockerce What a beautiful movie!

Intcatinfo A Masterpiece!

Organnall Too much about the plot just didn't add up, the writing was bad, some of the scenes were cringey and awkward,

Darin One of the film's great tricks is that, for a time, you think it will go down a rabbit hole of unrealistic glorification.

BA_Harrison Struggling magician Corky Withers (Anthony Hopkins) develops a ventriloquist act involving a foulmouthed dummy called Fats (who looks like an even creepier version of Hopkins), after which his career finally starts to takes off. Unfortunately, Corky's fragile mind cannot handle the strain of two personalities, and begins to crack, turning him into a dangerous psychopath who believes that his dummy is alive.Scary dolls are a staple of the horror genre, but are rarely enough to carry a whole film. It's a good job, then, that Magic has plenty else going for it, not least a smart screenplay by best-selling writer William Goldman (adapted from his 1976 novel), excellent direction from future Oscar winner Richard Attenborough, and a great cast. Anthony Hopkins (another future Academy Award winner) is thoroughly convincing the mentally unstable conjurer Corky, the star mastering the art of throwing his voice and card tricks for the part, and he is given able support by the brilliant Burgess Meredith as concerned agent Ben, and from the beautiful Ann Margaret as love interest Peg.The film isn't so much scary as it is unsettling, and might disappoint some horror fans looking for jump scares or gory spectacle, but as a study in madness, it does very well indeed. 7.5 out of 10, rounded up to 8 for IMDb.

meddlecore In this bizarre classic, the late Richard Attenborough brings to life William Goldman's 1976 re-imagining of the 1929 film The Great Gabbo- where a ventriloquist suffers from dual personalities because of the nature of his trade. Shifting it from a romance to a horror (though there is still an element of romance).Anthony Hopkins puts on an incredible performance as Corky- a socially awkward magician whose act just isn't up to par. That is, until he comes up with a schtick where he teams up with a ventriloquist dummy named Fats (whose voice is also done by Hopkins). Together, they put on a self-deprecating stand-up comedy routine, with some magic tied in, of course. .They are a hit...and on the brink of hitting the bigtime. Their agent has a lined the duo up with a pilot, and potential series to follow. But- with Fats as the dominant personality- Corky fears that he will blow his big chance- or have to face reality- and thus flees back to his childhood home, in search of his high school crush, Peggy.He finds her running her families old motel. Though it's failing, along with her marriage. While her husband is away, Corky takes up residence in one of the cabins, as he tries to woo her with Fats.But after a while, it becomes unclear whether Corky is suffering from some sort of split personality disorder, or whether he is actually reeling from the psychological effects related to the burden of covering up for the fact that Fats is, himself, animate.Not only is Fats animate, but he also seems to be able to manipulate Corky. It's clear that he prefers this route too. During the killing of Gangrene, Corky is the one acting at the behest of Fats. But when Corky successfully woos Peggy, he becomes liberated from his fear-of-failure complex, forcing Fats to lash out on his own- like when he attacks and kills Duke, Peggy's husband.You start to think that Corky and Fats are definitely two separate entities (with Fats having his own soul or what not), but the ending blurs this distinction, and makes you re-evaluate what you thought you knew.I don't know if Hopkins was really doing the ventriloquism, or whether he was just acting it...but his performance is downright incredible either way. If only for the diverse range emotions and psychological conditions covered. As was previously mentioned, this film owes a lot to the 1929 film The Great Gabbo, and seems to have gone on to influence other films like Child's Play. Ventriloquist dummies are so badass, and make for solid psychological horror icons! This is one truly disturbing film that seems to be a sort of under-appreciated classic. A must see.8.5 out 10.

AaronCapenBanner Anthony Hopkins stars as a troubled and failed magician named Corky who hits upon the idea of using a dummy(named Fats) in his act, and becomes a big hit as a result. A veteran talent agent(played by Burgess Meredith) tries to push Corky to accept an offer of a network pilot special, but his insecurity resurfaces, and he flees to the rural Catskills and an old flame(played by Ann Margret) who little suspects just how unhinged(and murderous) Corky has become... Fine acting by Hopkins in a most credible portrayal of schizophrenic disorder, but film is surprisingly mundane and obvious. A classic episode of "The Twilight Zone" called 'The Dummy', with Cliff Robertson as a ventriloquist did a far better job of it in a precise 25 minutes, while this film rambles on for a further 80...

Eugene Alexander An excellent film with excellent actors. Ann-Margret as beautiful as ever and with amazing breasts considering that at the time women didn't user silicone enhancements. Burgess Meredith plays his role with great ease and proves again what a great actor he is. Ed Lauter was great too even though his role was a small one. But the whole movie is around Anthony Hopkins. He was a genius from an early age as anyone can see in this movie. After seeing the movie I am convinced that Anthony Hopkins actually is a schizophrenic! I guess that is why he plays the role so well in all his films. Thank you Anthony for being the mad man you truly are (smile). Can't wait for your next film!