Fantastic, yet slightly flawed

Rating: Null/10 (13 December 1999)

The quest to produce the greatest movie ever has eluded filmakers for decades. Many will say that nothing can topple Citizen Kane as the standard to compare to. Indeed, such a remarkable movie is not so easily forgotten. But how do we define a great movie? Great actors? Talented directors or Authors? A ridiculous Hollywood budget? These all help, yet the defining element of a truly great movie is how it moves you. The Green Mile moves the masses because it addresses one thing every living being has in common: death, as well as our fear of death. The film is filmed in exquisite detail that is accurate, but understated. Tom Hank plays a subtle character, allowing the other characters to breath and develop. As well, James Cromwell and Gary Sinise do remarkably well with their minor characters. The real prize goes to Michael Duncan, playing the condemmend (and enormous) John Coffey. The movie is without a doubt emotional, there is an execution scene that will forever haunt me. The humor is well placed to relieve the audience from the overall sad theme. Yet the tear-jerking scenes near the end are milked. It seems director Frank Darabont was going for the "Kleenex effect". That's all well and good, but Tom Hank's Forrest Gump in his 5-minute grave soliliquy to Jenny was more effective more than the 20 minute "walkin' the mile" near the end. The 3 hour commitment for this film is not effortless, but order the small, 16 oz. $2.75 soda and find a theatre with those nice reclining seats, and you'll do well.