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96 out of 126 people found the following review useful: Shallow Grave through the eyes of children, 14 September 2004 Author: robotjohnny from Toronto, Canada
Tonight's screening of Danny Boyle's Millions at the Toronto International Film Festival was the film's world premiere. Boyle was in attendance along with the two young stars of the film, and he introduced what obviously is a project that he feels very dear about.Two young brothers in Manchester come across a gym bag overflowing with cash, British pounds, days before the bank of England switches over to the Euro.Damian (Alex Etel) is a young philanthropist who spends his time learning (and daydreaming) about the saints. He believes the money, which seems to have fallen from the heavens, is a gift from God and wants to use the money to help the poor, while his older brother Anthony (Lewis McGibbon) is a hot-blooded capitalist who is already thinking of exchange rates, inflation, and the cost of property. He uses the money to buy the affection of his new classmates.There are obvious parallels to be drawn with Boyle's first film Shallow Grave, (reviewed here) which also tells the story of a group of friends who find a mysterious surplus of cash, and the morals of what to do with it.Millions, however, is like a feel-good retelling of Shallow Grave through the eyes of children. It's sweet without being saccharine, and it's altogether enjoyable. I was incredibly refreshed to see a movie with a situation like this not make the characters look bad for wanting to keep money that isn't theirs. This isn't a film that chastises the greedy or denounces the almighty dollar; it's one that celebrates the chance to make a difference in one's own life, and the lives of others.I particularly enjoyed the fantasy elements in which Damian seeks advice from various saints who appear to him in visions that blur the line between imagination and spiritual visitation.Screened in the gorgeously ornate Elgin theatre, the film garnered a standing ovation, which may only have been for the benefit the two young stars of the film, but I couldn't help but get a little emotional to see the two of them, standing beside their director and surrounded by audience members, cry at the outburst of love and applause from a room full of strangers after such a tender and affectionate movie.
94 out of 129 people found the following review useful: A misunderstood picture, 26 February 2005 Author: madha77er from United States
From reading the comments, I wouldn't judge this movie by the trailer. It really doesn't reflect what the movie is about. Just the way Fox cut it.The ideas of the Euro and Money in general are really just used as creative tools. The real plot is quite brilliant, telling a great story of a very pure heart, a young boy and his brother. These two kids did an amazing job, one of which has had no previous experience.I was fortunate enough to attend a special screening where Mr. Boyle showed up (San Fran). Thanks! I wish more directors did this :) I found it quite entertaining, funny, light and complex. A great way to relax after a long day of flying.I commend Danny for trying something different, on the opposite spectrum compared to 28 Days and Shallow Grave.A great movie for 2005!
65 out of 77 people found the following review useful: Heartwarming but not saccharine, 17 February 2005 Author: jkchang from San Diego, CA
Millions reinforces the fact that Danny Boyle cannot be pigeonholed as a director. One does not expect to see the director of acclaimed drug abuse and zombie movies come out with such wholesome entertainment. Though this is accessible for the family, do not let that mislead you into thinking the movie does not have weight. The sincerity of this film saves it from becoming too lovey, and Boyle's personal connection with Manchester certainly adds to the depth of the environment. The story is told from the children's' point of view, bright with color, and those children give extraordinary performances. The use of stop-motion and accelerated exposures is characteristic of a style Boyle enjoys, and it accents the scenes where it is employed well. I highly recommend this film, and only wish it had been released for the past holiday season.
80 out of 110 people found the following review useful: A thought provoking gem., 8 February 2005 Author: sadisticlopez from New York, United States
This has got to be the best feel good movie i have ever seen. I took my little brother to this and he loved it and so did i you do not have to be a little kid to enjoy this film.There are some times where the film is horribly frightening, but not too scary for lets say a 10 year old.The little boy who plays Damien was absolutely magnificent. His performance was so beautiful, pure and subtle. That i had forgotten i was watching a child act.I encourage everyone to go out and check this movie out because this is truly one of the very best films i have ever seen.A beautiful story with heart that anyone can enjoy.
40 out of 46 people found the following review useful: A tribute to a director who makes children interesting and wise and movies for everyone., 29 March 2005 Author: John DeSando (jdesando@columbus.rr.com) from Columbus, Ohio
Cash virtually falling from the sky has been a staple of moralized tales at least from Chaucer, whose Pardoner's Tale tells of men looking for wealth only to find death. So too for John Huston's Treasure of Sierra Madre, the best of the lot for sheer power of greed backed up with uncommonly good acting by Humphrey Bogart and Walter Huston. A few years ago the Burton sisters directed Manna from Heaven using older actors such as Cloris Leachman and Shirley Jones to tell of dollars from God, elderly greed, and a nun with other ideas. More recently, money again from the sky fatally changes three ordinary men in Sam Raimi's A Simple Plan.Along comes Millions, a delightful British entry with a new twist: Kids find the money, argue about the best way to spend it, and finally get the help of adults to dispose of it. Unlike most greedy types, who eventually suffer the consequences through lame goddess Nemesis, the two brothers are not at the larcenous stage. They simply have different philosophies: Damian wants to give it to the poor; his older brother, Anthony, prefers fiscal responsibility, which does not feature giving away the money. Along the way they learn about the responsibility that sticks inextricably to every note, which they must cash in quickly before the pound is changed into the euro.Danny Boyle's eclectic imagination has Alex obsessed with the saints, who appear to him regularly in visions to talk candidly about the world as they see it and saw it. Memorable is Clare of Assisi, who smokes a cigarette and claims to be the patron saint of television. Saint Nicholas helps Damian deliver cash to needy Mormons, who turn around immediately and buy a foot massager and digital TV. It's refreshing to see the saints almost human in their little scenes that illuminate the realistic side of religious fanaticism. But it is that devotion that lets Damian fight the forces of greed and a forceful brother, not to mention the crooks and citizens now fully engaged in extracting the cash from the blameless kids.Boyle's hyperactive camera ushers in some magic realism at the beginning with a house building itself in seconds and later a rocket launch to an exotic paradise. No one ever accused Boyle of being unimaginative or reverent. The ornery Millions is a tribute to a director who makes children interesting and wise and movies for everyone.
39 out of 46 people found the following review useful: Great, overlooked film, 20 September 2005 Author: michele_inla from United States
This is one of the best films I have seen in recent years. Unfortunately not too many people have seen it. Hopefully good word of mouth will gain a wider audience.Although it stars two child actors, Millions is not a "kids" movie, but can be entertaining and meaningful for all ages. Although the Catholic religious imagery plays a significant role, I would not call this a religious film. As the characters are Catholic, their religion provides their reference point for morality.This film has humor and mystery, and is quite touching as well. There are some striking visual images. Plus it makes you think. Basically it asks the question: "What does it mean to live a 'good' life?"
42 out of 55 people found the following review useful: Feel good film without sentimentality, 25 October 2004 Author: cossie93 from London England
I saw this as part of the London Film Festival and loved it.The story was very well told through the eyes of the two pre-teens and the usual sibling rivalry you would expect in real life was present. James Nesbitt was very good in the roll of the boys father although his 'northern' accent was a little strange, and its always nice to see Daisy Donovan in anythingOnce the film ended the audience must have applauded for about 5 minutes, something I have not witnessed for some years now.See this film, tell your friends to see it and go again with them. (There is also a Clash song used in the soundtrack which is always a good sign)
33 out of 42 people found the following review useful: A Rich Story In Every Way, 13 April 2005 Author: EmperorNortonII from San Francisco, California
After directing the Scottish junkies' tale "Trainspotting" and the zombie horror story "28 Days Later," the latest from Danny Boyle is a real departure. "Millions" is the story of Damian Cunningham, a pious young dreamer who walks and talks with saints. When a huge satchel of money falls out of the sky, he assumes it came from Heaven. This is a charming movie with a tender story, and whimsical visuals. (Keep your eye on the saints' halos!) There are moments of comedy, of suspense, and thought-provoking elements. One scene has St. Peter giving a theory on how the miracle of the loaves and the fishes may have really happened. Above all, "Millions" may make you think about being more charitable. Whether that was Boyle's original intention is not clear, but it's a very nice sentiment.
29 out of 36 people found the following review useful: St. Damien of Manchester, 1994-.... Patron of the poor, 16 April 2005 Author: jotix100 from New York
*** This review may contain spoilers ***
This disarming comedy by director Danny Boyle proves him to be a man at the top of his craft. As with his other films, "Millions" works as a parable. There is more to the story than what we see on screen. The intelligent screen play by Frank Cottrell Boyce is greatly enhanced by Mr. Boyle.It's only a few days before currencies, all over Europe, will convert to Euros. When thieves break into one train carrying the old pound notes destined to be destroyed, all these pound bills are distributed by someone in the freight car throughout the route.Enter young Damien and Anthony, the young boys at the center of the story. They have just moved to a new house in the suburbs. Having recently lost their mother, the boys react differently. While older Anthony finds his own way, young Damien gets comfort from the his book about the life of the saints. He knows his holy people! When Damien, minding his own business is hit with a strange parcel, he discovers a treasure worth a lot of pounds.Since boys will be boys, suddenly the whole school gets to know the secret. The boys begin doing good deeds and Damien begins asking people if they're poor. They don't want to share their secret with their dad because Anthony reckons he would have to pay 40% in taxes! This film works because the sweetness of Damien. He is a good kid who wants to practice charity in order to go to heaven and perhaps be reunited with his dead mom. Young Alexander Nathan Etel is perfect as Damien. Lewis Owen McGibbon plays Anthony, his brother.Tne film is a lot of fun because of the innocence of Damien. Seen through the boy's eyes, the film turns to be a lot of fun because Mr. Boyle has done magic, putting all the right ingredients into the film.
43 out of 64 people found the following review useful: Best, most relevant, movie I have ever seen, 20 May 2005 Author: dadfey from United States
I am a 52 year old man with 3 kids, working in the business world. Being reminded about the importance of goodness is something I needed. I have seen the movie 4 times, my wife has seen it 7 times. I cry every time. The movie will help me to be a better person. A movie has never had a "true" impact on my life before. I found the characters, charming, warm, and realistic. I truly thank Mr Boyce, Mr Boyle, the cast and the crew for this movie. I tell all of my friends about the movie, hoping it helps them in the same way. I know this sounds "sophmoric" but so be it. It should be very rewarding to those involved in the movie to know that their message was heard and it will change the way at least one person leads his life.
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