The Green Mile creates Miracles..Hanks best work yet

Rating: Null/10 (9 November 2002)

How to sum up the single best movie Tom Hanks has made to date? It is not possible to comment on this movie and give it the justice it deserves. It's too good and too intertwined to comment on it in just a few words. Although it is his best work, Hanks ("Boss") supporting cast enhances Hanks' own heart-wrenching performance and unique view of the Green Mile. Who can ever forget "walking the mile, walking the Green Mile" uttered repeatedly by Harry Dean Stanton in a comic turn as a trustee. The Green Mile is rich in dialogue, location and casting with Oscar worthy performances by every single actor that puts the viewer not just on the Mile but with each person on the Mile. Uniquely original and uniquely wonderful while heartbreaking is what The Green Mile is. Miracles happen. Even in the death-row cellblock at Cold Mountain Penitentiary. John Coffeey (like the drink but spelled different) played by Michael Clarke Duncan (who was nominated for an Oscar for his incredible role) is a gentle giant of a prisoner with supernatural powers and brings a sense of spirit and humanity to his guards and fellow inmates, as well as his incredible ability to create divine miracles in the least likely place--The Green Mile. It's a stellar ensemble cast that brings the Stephen King novel by the same name, to real life. Notable scene stealers are Mr Jingles, the incredible mouse that befriends a cajun inmate on the green mile and Edward, the resident cajun on the Green Mile. Sam Rockwell as the disgusting and vile "Billy the Kid" and Michael Jeter as the cajun inmate show just how good they are at their craft. Harry Dean Stanton, mentioned above, gives us some needed humor as the trustee who allows the guards to practice on him in getting "Old Sparky" ready when the day is near for one of the inmates to pay the ultimate price for their crimes. Just who Coffeey pays the ultimate price FOR is revealed midway through the movie, and it evokes a sadness that few movies have ever been able to do so convincingly. James Cromwell plays a grim but fair role as the sad, convincing and big-hearted warden whose wife plays a key role in the Green Mile and in Coffey's "miracle gifts". David Morse, as "Brutal" may be a big man but his heart is bigger and you find yourself wishing you knew these caring men who have the hardest jobs in the country in the 1930's. In the middle of all the activity on the Green Mile, is John Coffey,(SPOILER) convicted of a crime he didn't commit and knowing his soul is at stake, Hanks must carry out his duty as the "Boss" on the Green Mile and goes to Coffeey to ask a life altering question- listen closely to the answer; and then lives long enough to grieve for Coffey-- years later.
Watch for Mr. Jingles to make his incredible second appearance toward the end. Fred Astaire's "I'm in Heaven"song has an incredibly different meaning on the Green Mile. While you will be annoyed and disgusted with "Percy", he gets his come uppance (SPOILER) at the end. "What happens on the Mile, stays on the Mile." This movie has the best ensemble cast in the history of Hanks's impressive career. John Coffey's gift's keep giving long after Coffeey, weary of all the pain he says he feels from everyone, pays the ultimate debt he did not owe. Barry Pepper ("Battlefield Earth" and "Saving Pvt. Ryan") also turns in a deft and heart-warming portrayal of yet another guard on the mile with a heart of gold. Once again, you will find yourself wishing you knew these wonderful and wise men. It is a running theme throughout the movie that all people, regardless of what you might think of them, deserve courtesy and humane treatment. A better group of actor's have not graced the silver screen than this one.
Miracles DO happen and the Green Mile is proof. If you never see another movie, see this one. It might just change how you look at each other. Stellar!! Unquestionably the best picture of the year.