So it is December and while most of us bask in the annual holiday classics such as Home Alone, It's A Wonderful Life and Elf, Danny Boyle's 2004 Holiday story maybe one of the best and certainly the most overlooked. No one would ever think a film from the man that brought us the drug induced Trainspotting and the violent 28 Days Later, would do a family oriented film. However, Boyle, probably one of the most underrated directors in the business, is not only a master storyteller but also a visionary. Millions, a simple film about two brothers who recently lost their mother, are gearing up for the holiday season. While preparations for their first Christmas without their mom they stumble across millions of dollars and are in a paradox on what to do with the cash. The eldest brother, Anthony, a witty teenager wants to spend it all, while his younger brother, the good hearted Damion wants to give it all away to the poor. Through a series of visits from various Saints, Damion takes opportunity into his own hands, while acting on his heart and innocents, it is just that that gets him into trouble. Boyle, takes two unknown actors Alex Etel (Damion) and Lewis McGibbon (Anthony) and gets performances out of them that would rival some of today's veteran actors. Millions is not only masterfully crafted and full of imagination, it is also backed by a fantastic soundtrack. Forget your typical "Carol of the Bells," Boyle opted to take tracks from Muse, The Clash and Feeder to back the young boys journey. If you see any film this holiday season, new or old, Millions should not be missed. Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Movie of the Month-"Millions"
So it is December and while most of us bask in the annual holiday classics such as Home Alone, It's A Wonderful Life and Elf, Danny Boyle's 2004 Holiday story maybe one of the best and certainly the most overlooked. No one would ever think a film from the man that brought us the drug induced Trainspotting and the violent 28 Days Later, would do a family oriented film. However, Boyle, probably one of the most underrated directors in the business, is not only a master storyteller but also a visionary. Millions, a simple film about two brothers who recently lost their mother, are gearing up for the holiday season. While preparations for their first Christmas without their mom they stumble across millions of dollars and are in a paradox on what to do with the cash. The eldest brother, Anthony, a witty teenager wants to spend it all, while his younger brother, the good hearted Damion wants to give it all away to the poor. Through a series of visits from various Saints, Damion takes opportunity into his own hands, while acting on his heart and innocents, it is just that that gets him into trouble. Boyle, takes two unknown actors Alex Etel (Damion) and Lewis McGibbon (Anthony) and gets performances out of them that would rival some of today's veteran actors. Millions is not only masterfully crafted and full of imagination, it is also backed by a fantastic soundtrack. Forget your typical "Carol of the Bells," Boyle opted to take tracks from Muse, The Clash and Feeder to back the young boys journey. If you see any film this holiday season, new or old, Millions should not be missed.