Excellent characterisation, superb acting. May be too long for some.

Rating: 9/10 (24 February 2000)

I did not expect to enjoy this film as much as I did. You may be surprised too. The fact that it is over three hours in length should not put you off. It's highly watchable. The characterisation is very strong. On an emotional level you connect directly with most of the characters. You want them to succeed in the task that is laid out before them. This is where the length of the film becomes advantageous. All the actors are well cast although Tom Hanks seems to be on 'auto pilot', he's in a role you'd expect him to perform well in. Michael Clarke Duncan is superb as the prisoner facing his last days on earth, reflected in his recent and well deserved Oscar nomination. The supernatural turn which we encounter half way through the film turns what could be an average prison drama into a tale of good against evil. What do you expect? It's a Stephen King story. Remember 'The Shining'? Something similar occurs there. The direction is comendable. The interest is retained despite most of the film being set in the same small prison corridor. This is why the characterisation needs to be so strong. It's an interesting, heart warming film which you'll be glad you saw, despite its length. The mouse with eternal life may be a little too OTT for some though!!