Review of Millions (2005) by Jun Z — 10 Dec 2007

I just finished watching Millions once again. You may have noticed that it is #5 on my top 10 list and for good reason. I have never reviewed this movie so I thought I'd take this opportunity to do so.

Millions is my favorite movie of '05 and it is because it is so unique and brilliant. In a film industry overly obsessed with cheap thrills, gore, and explosions, it is so nice to see a well done film that doesn't have any of that.

Millions succeeds without any of it. The children are just brilliant in the movie especially Alex Etel, who plays Damian Cunningham, a 10 year old who knows everything about all the Saints and martyrs.

He is determined to do good and when he is given an abundance of money. He sees it as his chance to help the poor and secure his place in heaven. His brother sees it as most young kids would and wants to buy everything he's ever wanted with the money, including the respect of his new classmates but he doesn't see what Damian sees.

He sees money for exactly what it is, just another thing in this world that will eventually fade. Nothing more or less. Every family should sit down together and watch this film as it will bring them closer and maybe inspire them to be more like Damian.

Earlier in this review I said the film was unique which brings me to my next topic, the special effects. The way they use special effects to move the story along in a new and creative way is just amazing to watch.

I thought it was brilliant the way they used the animation as a device and not just a way to impress people with explosions. It fits well with the creative mind of Damian who sees Saints and talks to them.

It is as if you are seeing the world through the eyes of Damian and as he says, it is his story, so why not! Just a charming inspirational film all around and it would be hard for anyone to dislike this film.