All emotions in check

Rating: Null/10 (1 December 1999)

Another 1999 movie that combines several different genres--human drama, suspense, occasional comedy--and takes its viewers on an emotional rollercoaster. You really have to be a machine not to feel something after watching it. This one goes a step further and introduces another genre--sci fi/fantasy--into the plot. After all, it's based on a Stephen King story. The film is being compared to Shawshank Redemption by everyone, but that film was more romantic in its handling of the characters and the events. Do hardened prisoners really get that captivated by an opera? Green Mile is more hard-edged and realistic, especially in the end. The irony is that the film has so many fantastic elements....think of John Travolta in Phenomenon. My only complaint is the ending. Without giving away too much plot, I think the fate of one of main characters could have been handled differently. Tom Hanks and James Cromwell's character could have intervened, since they saw the "miracles" right in front of their eyes. A retrial could have been arranged. Then I guess we would've had a 4 hour movie instead of a 3 hour one. Still an excellent film, and the first movie to generate so many emotions from an unlikely source--a mouse!