MILLIONS (2004)
Reviewed by Jerry Saravia
(Originally reviewed in 2004)
Danny Boyle's "Millions" is a frenetic daydream as seen through the eyes of a child. Its wild, antic energy may throw viewers off, but its sense of innocence pervades, albeit unevenly.
7-year-old Damian (Alex Etel) is living in a new house in a new neighborhood and attending a new school. He has a sturdy, older brother, Anthony (Lewis McGibbon), and a lonely, widowed father (James Nesbitt). Damian is especially informative and insightful when it comes to the lives of saints, especially knowing the year of their birth and the year of their death. He also has conversations with them, mostly in an elaborate cardboard hideout he has built near the railroad tracks. One saint, Clare of Assisi, smokes while claiming she is the patron saint of television. Another saint helps Damian with stage direction on how to properly emote in a biblical play - "Focus!"
One fine day, a train zooms through town while Damian is in his cardboard compartment. Out of nowhere, a Nike bag falls near him and it ends up having more than enough money to keep President Bush in office for another four years. Damian believes it is a sign from God. He tells his brother and they decide to keep it secret from their father, and any other grown-ups (though not from their schoolmates). Damian likes to give money away to charities, including at their school - he also gives it to neighbors, including Mormons who use a stash of money found in their door slot to buy the latest in state-of-the-art electronics. Anthony wants Damian to keep a low-profile but Damian makes himself too obvious - he buys a huge pizza lunch for some homeless people. Then there is the dilemma of what to do with some of the extra money, especially when British pounds are about to be converted into Euros.
"Millions" is like a hyperactive junior-league version of Boyle's own "Shallow Grave" crossed with the hallucinatory visuals of "Trainspotting." It is so in-your-face that you might need a dose of Dramamine to survive it. Boyle has made a whimsical tale of innocence but he forgoes whimsy for frenetic, cartoonish visuals that may leave you more exhausted than enlightened. The cuts are too rapid and too frantic to suggest the point-of-view of a saintly child like Damian.
Sometimes the film drags when dealing with the general populace crowding the banks as they are eager to get their Euros. There are endless shots of Damian dragging his Nike bag along with his dad's new girlfriend (Daisy Donovan). And the subplot involving the real owner of the loot may make you wonder if you aren't actually watching "Shallow Grave."
If nothing else, Alex Etel saves the film, occupying almost every frame. We love this kid for his belief in the goodness of others and for his hope that he can do good for others - in the end, we feel good enough to root for him. Besides, you have to love a kid who worships all the saints. As for director Danny Boyle, this is probably as close to a feel-good film as he'll ever get.
