Hearts in Atlantis seems to have all the elements required to make a completely magical film. It's based on a dramatic novel by Stephen King. It was adapted by legendary screenwriter William Goldman. And it was directed by Scott Hicks who made the wonderful Shine. While Hearts in Atlantis has much to recommend, it never really reaches that epic sensibility it's reaching for.

Set in 1960, Hearts in Atlantis tells the story of mysterious drifter Ted Brautigan (Anthony Hopkins) who befriends young Bobby Garfield (Anton Yelchin), a fatherless boy who lives alone with his over-protective mother. Bobby is an extremely intelligent young man with the same dreams as many other kids. And while Bobby and Ted might seem worlds apart, they both have much in common. Before long the two form an unbreakable bond as they help one another cope with various problems.

Hearts in Atlantis features elements derived from other Stephen King stories (Stand By Me, The Shining, Green Mile, The Dead Zone, etc.), and while it's not as effective as those tales, it works on other levels. Strangely, it's even a little reminiscent of the holiday classic A Christmas Story.

The performances here are outstanding. Hopkins is quietly compelling as the caring Ted. Hope Davis is fantastic as a single mom struggling to find her identity. The always dependable David Morse appears as the grown up Bobby, and although his role is small, he commands the screen nonetheless. The real revelation here is young Anton Yelchin. He's smart, natural, and very sympathetic as Bobby Garfield. Mark my words, this kid is going places.

Director Scott Hicks caught a lot of flack for his last picture Snow Falling on Cedars, a film that was quite beautiful to look at but was too meandering for it's own good. While Hearts in Atlantis does move at a leisure pace, it makes much more sense. It's been speculated that Hicks' first cut of this picture moved quicker. Apparently, King and Goldman had the movie re-cut. I don't know if there is any truth to this, but I for one, think the film would have been more effective if it were longer. This movie features some elements and characters that are never really developed enough.

Goldman has done a nice job adapting the King novel, but there are obvious holes in the plot. I didn't care much for the bully featured in the story either. He seemed far too callous and I didn't take his actions seriously at all. I appreciated that Goldman opted to put an emphasis on characters and relationships as opposed to Brautigan's special powers, which really don't come into play that often in the film.

Hearts in Atlantis is a well intentioned film. It's old fashioned and attempts to take us back to a time of innocence that we can all identify with. After all, we all remember wanting our first bike, and the exhilaration of that first kiss. It's these moments in the picture that really work. And while Hearts in Atlantis tends to be on the sentimental side, it's stellar performances and beautiful look make it worth watching.