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MILLIONS
Review by Gordon Justesen
Stars:
James Nesbitt, Daisy Donovan, Alex Etel, Lewis McGibbon
Director: Danny Boyle
Audio: Dolby Digital 5.1, Spanish Dolby Surround
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 1.85:1
Studio: 20th Century Fox
Features: See Review
Length: 98 Minutes
Release Date: November 1, 2005
“What
did you bring a thousand pounds to school for? Can’t you see that’s
suspicious?”
“It’s
not suspicious, it’s unusual.”
Film
***1/2
When one thinks of
Danny Boyle, they may not first associate the British filmmaker with any stories
involving a child’s fantasy. After all, this is the director who has
specialized in making such bizarre films like the Trainspotting, The Beach
and 28 Days Later, one of the best
made horror films in years. And yet Boyle’s latest film, Millions, is one of the more delightful family-friendly films to
come around in some time.
Actually, Boyle’s
momentary turn to family-friendly fare is a reminder that even the darkest of
filmmakers have a soft, bright spot within them. After all, who could’ve
suspected that David Lynch could make a G-rated film like The Straight Story? And who would’ve guessed that David Mamet
could’ve done the same with The Winslow
Boy?
The story is one of
pure heart and mystery. It involves two brothers named Damian (Alex Etel) and
Anthony (Lewis McGibbon), who have moved into a new house with their father
(James Nesbitt). One day, as he is playing on railroad tracks, Damian makes a
startling discovery; a bag containing up to 229,000 pounds.
Damian tells his
brother about the money, and they instantly agree to inform absolutely no adults
about what has been found. But then the two disagree on what to do with the
money. Anthony, the older of the two, thinks it should be used specifically for
material possessions. However Damian, who thinks the money is a gift from God,
feels that the money should be given to the less fortunate.
Despite Damian’s
spiritual thoughts on the money, there may just be Earth-bound criminals in
search of the loot. No matter what the case, Damian gets numerous visits from
Saint Francis, who then advises Damian to proceed with his wishes to give the
money to the poor. But Anthony warns him that while it’s a good deed, throwing
this amount of money around may draw the kind of attention that they don’t
want.
Without spoiling
any of the details, let me just say that Millions
is one delightful and magical film. It just happens to be a piece of family
entertainment that doesn’t rely on juvenile kiddie antics like so many films
of the genre. Boyle has kept of heavy dose of intelligence in the story, along
with supplying a truly fantastic message in the end.
A great film for
both kids and adults, Millions is
grand and most original child’s fantasy brought to the screen.
Video
****
Fox’s anamorphic
handling of this visually engaging film is a pure treat for the eyes. Boyle has
loaded the screen with many bright colors, and the result is nothing short of
amazing. The image quality is nothing but consistent clarity, with some
fantastic color treatment. It’s one visual presentation you’re sure to
remember.
Audio
***1/2
The 5.1 mix
supplies some very effective moments, in particular many sequences where Damian
visualizes certain events happening through his imagination. Dialogue is
delivered as clear as can be, and momentary music playback is nicely heard as
well.
Features
***
Included is a
commentary track by Danny Boyle and screenwriter Frank Cottrell Boyce, deleted
scenes and a behind the scenes featurette.
Summary: