Review by Mark “Hollywood” Jarecki 45Q - 
The Worlds Fastest Indian
Anthony Hopkins, Bonneville, and a 1920 Indian V twin? One might think this is an unlikely mix. Not so. Loosely based on the very real New Zealander Burt Munro, this story works. Not only does it work it shines. Never heard of Burt Munro? You have now. In fact he still holds a record at Bonneville to this day. “The Worlds Fastest Indian” is about desire, perseverance, and a dream.
1962. The story of Burt Munro, played by Sir Anthony Hopkins, a retiree from New Zealand, had the lifelong dream of going to the Bonneville Salt Flats with his Indian to “See what she’ll do”. Getting there is an epic journey it itself. Full of adversity and ultimately triumph, this full production movie sucks you right in. Burt’s love of life, need for speed, and his perseverance to overcome, is inspiring to say the least. Burt is a modest but very intelligent man with a purpose.
A young neighbor boy Tom, played by Aaron Murphy, frequents Burt’s garage and believes in Burt from the very start. Burt seems to draw inspiration from the young lad as well. There in the old garage Burt tweaks and tunes, the young boy at his side, even forging his own pistons and heads. With support from his friends Burt leaves New Zealand by boat, headed for America where his charm and desire get him thru a lot of his obstacles. He meets a few people along the way, winning their support in spite of the difficult circumstances.
Burt finally arrives at Bonneville with the Indian in tow, where he stands and admires his “Holy Land”. He meets a young Pro and quickly wins his admiration. The next day Burt is told he didn’t pre register and he won’t be allowed to run. Your heart begins to sink. He calls on his new friend to persuade the officials to consider his entry, which they do, after all, he still has to pass tech inspection.
More trouble. Seems like tech is a problem where his old girl is mocked and told his machine won’t cut the mustard. However, Burt has cleverly earned their respect and the Tech guys reconsider, deciding to give Burt an early morning informal test run where they’ll determine if he and the Indian are indeed capable. Officials follow in chase vehicles where the old Indian leaves them behind. Waaaay behind. Amazed and convinced, they grant Burt a full-blown timed run. Burt is overwhelmed. At this point you have a lump in your throat and realize this is what racers do.
“The Worlds Fastest Indian” is solid and righteous. Great sound and production. I get tired of Movies that try to be over the top with computer generated special effects, swearing, and meaningless story lines. This has none of that.
Don’t go out and buy this Movie, buy 2 and give one to a friend. You don’t have to be a motorcycle enthusiast to get what this Movie is all about. I give “The Worlds Fastest Indian” a top rating of 5 spark plugs.
Hollywood
Review by Randy "Mr." Smith #24 -
The Worlds Fastest Indian
The Worlds Fastest Indian is a quality movie that stars Anthony Hopkins as Burt Munro, an aging gentleman that has spent the majority of his life perfecting his 1940’s Indian Motorcycle for top speed runs. One of the many things that make this movie so good is that it is based on a true story. Burt Munro was a craftsman that you witness casting his own pistons and such in his run down New Zealand workshop. Making the old bike go faster and faster is all Burt can and will do. He doesn’t mow his yard or take care of much other than that motorcycle. His dream is to go to the United States and run his bike at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah.
Burt scrounges up the funds to make his trip to the USA and you are along watching his many trials and tribulations as he arrives in unfamiliar territory. Burt is a likable person and that helps him out a lot. You also get to see a man that is getting older and his health is not the best but he won’t give up his dream of going for a land speed record. The movie has that “Feel Good Feeling” that you don’t get very often.
I liked it so much that I bought a copy and proceeded to loan it out to my parents and my secretary who neither one are much of a motorcycle fan. Both said that they really liked the movie and was surprised on how well the true story played out. Lets just cut to the chase. Go rent or buy this film. It will entertain not only the motorcyclist in the family but everyone that watches it.
I give it 5 spark plugs, the highest rating.
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