REVIEW-Magic (1978).

[Cyrus98]

A failed magician/ventriloquist named Corky (Anthony Hopkins) who still does tricks becomes a success overnight thanks to his comedy act with a ventriloquist dummy named Fats (voiced by Hopkins). His agent (Burgess Merideth) wants him to be on a TV Show as Corky is required a medical exam, he's scared as he runs away to hide out for a while at a lake resort owned by his High School sweetheart (Ann Marget) whom he falls for again, his dummy becomes evil and wants drive Corky to the brink of insanity to control him and wants to kill.

Highly underrated and unique horror thriller from Richard Attenbourgh (Director of "Ghandi") and writer William Goldman ("The Princess Bride"), it was a minor hit and gained a cult following. The movie blends humor and dark themes with a superb score by Jerry Goldsmith and great acting, Fats himself is an eerie little thing. When i was 4 back in the 80's watching this on video or TV or HBO, it scared the bejesus out of me and made me afraid of dummies! I think this is one of the most underrated horror/thrillers ever and one of the best killer doll flicks ever that i highly recommend.

My Rating: 10/10 ( If you like killer doll, horror thrillers and the Goosebumps Night of the Living Dummy books then see this movie).

Also recommended: "Sleepaway Camp", "Trilogy of Terror", "Dolls", "Perfect Blue", "Child's Play", "Devil Doll (1964)", "Dead of Night", "Pinocchio's Revenge", "Friday The 13th", "Misery", "Puppet Master", "PIN", "Dolly Dearest", "Deep Red", "Tourist Trap", "Love Object", "The Pit", "Secret Window", "Dummy", "Poltergeist", "Making Contact ( a.k.a. Joey)", "Saw", "The Sentinel ( 1977)", "Halloween", "American Psycho", "The Fear", and "The Shining".

[spiral]

Never seen Magic, although I've heard a lot about it - all good, of course! :)

Anthony Hopkins usuually puts on a good show.

Love Object is another fine example of the crazed doll variety, as you've mentioned... It's one of my all-time fav (dark) comedy-horrors...

[JohnShaft]

It's many years since I've seen MAGIC, but as I remember it's quite an effective little movie. And it's certainly the first time I remember Hopkins showing his chops.

I really wouldn't mind seeing it again. Thanks for the review Cyrus.

[nullspin]

Yes I remember this one from when I was just a wee lad. I think it scared the hell out of me. I seem to remember the ending sealing the deal for me. I'm gonna have to put it on the rental list. Thanks for the walk down memory lane.
ns

[whataboutbilly]

This is a effective,well pace,and a little disturbing often forgotten gem with a masterfully subtle yet manic performance from Sir Anthony Hopkins,great acting from Burgess Meredith,Ann Margaret,and Ed Lauter.The greatness of this movie comes all of the scenes of Hopkins and Fats it really shows the range of Hopkins as an actor,and its simply amazing to watch.