Millions DVD Review

"MILLIONS" reviews

DVD

MILLIONS

Author

anonymous

Date reviewed

2005-11-18 16:32:20

Provider

MRIB

DVD Review

When £265,000 lands in seven-year-old Damian Cunningham's playhouse, he assumes, not unreasonably, that it's a gift from God, a belief compounded by the young lad's devotion to the biblical saints: Peter, Joseph, Claire and his all-time favourite, Francis Of Assisi. Damian, who's still grief-stricken by the recent death of his mother, aims to remodel himself as a budding north-west philanthropist, but older brother Anthony pressures him to spend the loot or investing in property.

Danny Boyle (Trainspotting, Shallow Grave) has made a magical and beguiling tale of innocence lost and innocence found. Millions is refreshingly devoid of hip tricks, alternating humour and pathos, dealing well with the scenes where the boys and their father (played to precision by James Nesbitt) attempt to deal with the death of their beloved mother.

It does well to steer clear of the sentimentality that comes so easily to films featuring children, with outstanding performances from Alex Etel and Lewis McGibbon, Nesbitt is his charming self and the delectable Daisy Donovan excels as the woman who may mend his broken heart. As tender, poignant and heartwarming morality tales go, Millions has got it in spades. Extras include: director's commentary; deleted scenes; four minute feature; audition footage; short film Badgered; Robbery featurette; Saints featurette; trailer and TV spots.

Copyright © MRIB 2005.