The Green Mile Review
by Nick Lyons (moviephan2 AT aol DOT com)December 12th, 1999
The Green Mile
"The Green Mile" (which is based on the Stephen King series titled Green Mile) is one of those films that you get so involved with, that you find yourself releasing emotions, as if you were right there with Tom Hanks and company. It's times like these that you know the film is a powerful experience.
The story basically has 2 sections. The first half shows what life is like in this such prison, and what the guards do on a regular basis, while the second half focuses on the mysterious John Coffey (Michael Duncan). In the first half we are shown the dreadful electric chair (known as Old Sparky) , the cellmates, the mouse 9Mr. Jingles) the prison guards: Paul Edgecomb (Tom Hanks), Brutus (David Morse), Percy (Doug Hutchison) , etc., and the tall but peculiar John Coffey. Apparently he was charged with killing two young girls, but we have reasons to believe he is innocent. We see that he possesses a power to heal those who are in pain, and use that power in other situations. He seems as harmless as Mr. Jingles, but you will have to see it to find out.
This is by far the most riveting emotional experience since Saving Private Ryan. Like I stated before, we are just so engrossed with the characters and situations, that you feel as if you were there. It's attention to detail during crucial moments in the film kept you on the edge of your seat, because the characters were written so incredibly well. It's as if it were a deranged fantasy that you are apart of. Only Stephen King could think of such a thing, and of course he did. He is truly a talented author. I only wish he would create more stupendous novels, that are as good on screen.
Unfortunately however, I have a few minor complaints. The film was a bit predictable and at times formulaic. It wasn't very complex, but it really didn't mater that much because everything else flowed smoothly.
The acting is top notch. Once again Tom Hanks proves why he is one of the finest actors in the business today. I've never seen an actor who is constantly putting all of his effort into his role film after film. It's good to see that some actors do not sell out, simply because a film has a big budget and is a guaranteed success. Same goes with the rest of the cast. Doug Hutchinson played a nasty punk who we want desperately to punch. David Morse too was a good supporting actor to Hanks, but the biggest surprise was Michael Duncan. He was virtually unknown up until Green Mile, but I'm sure he will get noticed now. He''s similar to Ving Rhames, only he hasn't really proven his acting ability as of yet. I could definitely see him as a James Bond villain though. He's very big and quite strong.
Director Frank Darabont strikes again. His first and last film (The Shawshank Redemption) was an absolute masterpiece. The characters were intriguing and the story was very creative. I didn't know what was going to happen. Very mysterious. The Green Mile is far from exceeding the quality of Shawshank Redemption, because of it's lack of pizzazz and because they work on a different level. Another aspect of the movie that people disregard is the length. I personally had no problem with the time. I was never bored and always interested. I guess those with short attention spans have trouble with the lack of action. That's their loss.
The Green Mile is by far one of the best films of the year. It's engrossing, dazzling and a powerful experience. It's everything a solid film should be and more. A must see.
Grade: A
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