I finally watched this movie after attempting it for about a week now, and while I'm not surprised by my immediate love for something the recently unstoppable Danny Boyle thought up I was surprised about some of the films themes and how they remained true to their goals without ever lecturing or becoming stagnant in delivery. Made in 2004 the story of Millions revolves around Damien (Alex Etel) Cunningham, a young boy who's mother has recently passed away, and his search for goodness in the world after having a mysterious sack of money literally fall into his lap. The New York Times explains the movies focus as, "...the secret world of children, in particular that miraculous, tragically brief interlude when the young imagination - not yet captive to crippling adult conventions like time, space and rational thought - takes boundless flight."
The protagonist, Damian, is a wonderfully odd and new kind of lead character, driving the story through an unexpected path. The character stresses an incredibly ethical viewpoint on life throughout the film--interacting with copious saints about whom he has an awing knowledge--however the context never becomes religious or preaches, which is a real feat. The dialogue is fresh and really very entertaining as there is a 7-year-old boy coming to realizations that none of the adults around him are able to grasp and allowing them to realize how strange it is that they remain confused despite the simplicity of the intended lessons. The writing is strong, writer Frank Cottrell Boyce even recieving the BAFTA for best screenplay and Danny Boyle creates some vibrant, abstract scenes that echo likenesses to Trainspotting. The movie never bored me, keeping my focus with interesting progressions in the plot and exciting dialogue however the star of the film is just that, it's young star Alex Etel. Nominated for a Critics Choice Award for Best Young Actor but slimly losing he posseses the chops of an actor well beyond his years and delivers a heartwarming but commanding role.
All in all I would give this movie a thumbs up for its subtle and impressive ability to cross between the genres of comedy, drama and fantasy, and for Etel's excellent debut performance. While it may not contain the dramatic meat and bones of a serious festival flick, nor the extreme budget and effects of a blockbuster this little movie achieves more than is expected of it and is certainly worth all the acclaim it has recieved. Definitely the best PG-rated movie I have ever seen, it was a very fun, afternoon snack of a movie!RottenTomatoes.com rating: 88%
FilmCritic.com rating: 4 out of 5 stars
My Rating: A-
Read the Onion review here: http://www.avclub.com/articles/millions,4644/
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