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"Magic" is a psychological thriller film that was released in 1978. The film stars Anthony Hopkins, Ann-Margaret, Burgess Meredith, and Ed Lauter in the lead roles. Directed by Richard Attenborough, this movie is based on the novel of the same name by William Goldman. The story revolves around Charles "Corky" Withers, a failed magician who decides to include ventriloquism in his act. Corky is still haunted by his traumatic past and is uncertain about his ability to perform. His new act, which he calls Fats, becomes an instant success, and soon enough, Corky gets a big break in TV. His agent, Ben Greene, is convinced that Corky is the next big thing. However, as his success grows, so does his mental instability, exacerbated by Fats' increasingly domineering personality.

Ann-Margret plays Peggy Ann Snow, a childhood friend of Corky who harbors romantic feelings for him despite being married to a man named Duke. Peggy is a touchpoint of stability for Corky and represents the possibility of a normal life if he can overcome his demons. Duke, played by Ed Lauter, is also suspicious of Corky and Fats.

The movie is significant for its portrayal of mental illness and the terror it can cause. It depicts the cruelty of failing to deal with one's mental instability and the horrors that result from it. The film takes the audience on a rollercoaster ride of emotions, from empathy for Corky's desperate situation to terror as his mental state deteriorates.

Anthony Hopkins gives an intense and deeply nuanced performance as Corky. He manages to create two distinct personalities for his character: the quiet, respectful, and harmless Corky and the loud and commanding Fats, who takes over Corky's personality completely. Hopkins' portrayal of a mentally ill person who loses control over their identity is both deeply moving and disturbing.

Meanwhile, Ann-Margaret excels in her role as Peggy, infusing the character with tenderness, warmth, and understanding. Her character serves as a hopeful inspiration and a symbol of what Corky could become if he could manage his mental instability. The chemistry between Ann-Margaret and Hopkins is palpable, and their performances complement each other well.

Burgess Meredith is equally impressive as Ben Greene, a tough and intelligent agent who is convinced that Corky is a rising star. Meredith's portrayal of a smart and calculating businessman is pitch-perfect, and his relationship with Anthony Hopkins' character adds depth to the narrative.

The movie is not without its flaws, however. The pacing is slow at times, and some may find the plot predictable. Nevertheless, these minor issues do not detract from the overall impact of the film.

Overall, "Magic" is a riveting psychological thriller that explores the darker aspects of the human psyche. It is a haunting and profound film that captures the terror of mental illness and the havoc it can wreak on someone's life. The superb performances of Anthony Hopkins, Ann-Margaret, Burgess Meredith, and Ed Lauter make the film unforgettable. "Magic" is definitely a must-watch for fans of psychological thrillers and character-driven dramas alike.

Magic is a 1978 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 47 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8 and a MetaScore of 49.