Miracle Mile.

Rating: Null/10 (24 November 1999)

People would think that this film from the same director as THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION, that this is another prison film. Well, it isn't. SHAWSHANK was more about a man's search for hope. The director, Frank Darabont, new film THE GREEN MILE, isn't about a prison, but about a miracle that happens in a prison. This is a outstanding film that shows what a miracle that could, or we wish that could happen, and how would mankind treat it. The story is based on the Stephen King novel, where it takes place on "E" block of a prison in Louisiana. The "E" block is the death row, also known as "the green mile." On the mile, the chief of the security is Paul Edgecomb (Tom Hanks), a sympathetic guard who cares about the health of most of his prisoners. Paul has fellow kind and friendly guards at the mile which include, Brutus "Brutal" Howell (David Morse), Dean Stanton (Barry Pepper), and Harry Terwilleger (Jeffrey DeMunn). There is one rotten apple in the bunch of guards, and his name is Percy Wetmore (Doug Hutchison). Percy doesn't care about anybody but himself. Percy is cruel to the inmates, and loves to taunt them. One day a new convict arrives to the "green mile," a seven foot and 300 pound black man named John Coffey (Michael Duncan Clark). Coffey (sounds like the drink, spelled different)was convicted of killing two young girls. But when Paul talks and meets Coffey, he believes that Coffey didn't kill the two young girls. But that is only a part of the story. There's a secret in Coffey that is a blessing or a miracle. Whatever you call it, it's highly unusual for someone to have, and it does good towards humanity. THE GREEN MILE has "classic" written all over it. This is a truly fantastic film! Despite it's 3 hour plus running time, it's the fastest paced 3 hour film since TITANIC. The story and character's grab your intrest, that time doesn't matter to you. You're more concerned about the people. That element alone is a sign of success. Frank Darabont tells a strongly dramatic film that isn't about a prison, but takes place in one. It's a very emotional film, yet you would walk out of the film not only falling in love with it, but somewhat happy. Darabont does a excellent job of detailing the character's and their feelings and traits. And like SHAWSHANK, Darabont does a magnificent job on adapting the work of Stephen King. If I was Stephen King, I would have only Frank Darabont direct the film adaptations of my stories from now on. But the acting is also worthy of picking up golden statues. Tom Hanks is different and great as the very kind and caring prison guard. So are his fellow guards (Morse, Pepper, and DeMunn). James Cromwell is also excellent as the prison warden who isn't the "stereotyped" warden. And Michael Jeter is quite good as the mousy prisoner Eduard Delaeriox, who's best friend is a mouse. But two faces or actors stand out in this film. First is Doug Hutchison, who is very cruel and creepy as the evil guard. His character of Percy, is the type of villian that you would love to see him get punished. And the other actor who stands out is Michael Duncan Clark. Clark is huge, yet he's very emotional and gentle as Coffey that the audience does feel a certain kind of kinship towards him. You care about Coffey, that you also would believe Paul that Coffey can't be a murderer. I was extremely pleased with this classic. This has Oscar for Best Picture (winning, not nomminated) all over it. It is indeed over 3 hours, yet you'll feel a lot different after watching this movie. It's a excellent tale about miracles, that happen in the most unlikely places. And if they do happen, don't abuse them, bless them. THE GREEN MILE, is paved with gold! DO NOT MISS IT!!!!!! ***** (out of five)