THE GREEN MILE PG-13
Starring Tom Hanks, David Morse, James Cromwell, Michael Clarke Duncan, Bonnie Hunt, Harry Dean Stanton, and Gary Sinise
Eric says: ********** (10)
This is a movie. The way one is supposed to be done. Adapted almost exactly from the Stephen King story of the same name, the movie version feels so much more sorrowful. Yes, I was affected - manipulated even - by it. Yes, I cried - often.
Frank Darabont, who also directed The Shawshank Redemption, artfully leads us through the story, spending "quality time" with each character along the way. While Hanks is the big-name star, we never are led to forget that his is just one of a myriad of players in this southern prison in the mid 1930's. Each character cast better than I believed possible, King's story jumps to life. The tale is told through the eyes of Paul Edgecomb, lead guard of this prison's death row. He not only has to contend with prisoners with nothing to lose, but also with personal physical problems and the connected jerk/fellow guard Percy Wetmore.
Then John Coffey enters his life. A giant of a man, and "colored" to boot, convicted of murdering two small girls. Their lifeless bodies are found draped around his massive arms. But this is no ordinary man. Duncan is the key to "Mile's" success. Given that his character is a simple-minded one-note type of guy, it's all the more impressive that Duncan's ability shines through. He exudes a sense of world-weariness that comes into play later in the film. By the way, there's plenty of "later". At over 3 hours long, your bladder will likely be tested just as much as your tear ducts. Don't let that stop you, though. Unlike other movies this month, this film wouldn't feel complete with anything edited out.
A fine film with a powerful performance by Duncan and not a single bad supporting-actor job, you'll enjoy being sent up-state.
David says: ********** (10/10)
Iv'e read his books. I've watched his movies. I've prefered his books -- 'til now. With the exception of one or two scenes, this is an almost exact adaptation of his novel,(unlike what happened to Forest Gump) that will verify that your tear ducts function properly, and in some cases, offer a proper flushing for them.
I must say, I wouldn't have cast Tom Hanks for the lead -- he's too good of a person - too clean.. Reading the book I envisioned someone a little more rough around the edges. Coffey & Percy were perfectly cast and acted.
So, Go see this movie. Then read the book. Then rent the movie. Then buy the tape. Then buy the dvd. even if you don't own a dvd player.
our review of thr preview:
THE GREEN MILE:
Based on the Steve King story, this tells the tale of an amazing death row inmate as seen through the eyes of the head guard. Tom Hanks and Gary Sinise star. Hopefully, it will remain as true as possible to the book, instead of being a Tom-Hanks-is-so-great movie. So far, it seems consistent to what I read.