A decent yet flawed 3+ hour movie.

Rating: 6/10 (22 July 2000)

I liked this movie, I really did, I never read the original story in it's serial form, and only having heard it excerpted I had no expectations. Well, I figured that as with most adaptations of King's books, this one had the potential to fail as dismally as others have. That "The Green Mile" was as good as it is overall proved that in the proper hands, King's stories can make enjoyable, if not astounding, film.
I guess my only real problem with the movie has to do with some technical issues. I was really disappointed over the use of modern clear plastic packaging tape when Percy was confined to the restraint room. In light of the fact that the story's original date was set in 1932 but was adapted to make use of the film "Top Hat" from 1935, and that the story itself mentions the use of friction tape (certainly more appropriate to the time), the use of a modern roll of tape was just sloppy!
Another thing would have to be the healing method that John used, in the instances of both Mr. Jingles and the Warden's wife, John "takes if back" by sucking the death/illness from the mouths of these creatures...well, not to be too disgusting here, but how is it that he was able to help Paul by merely grabbing his crotch? I guess that would have changed the ratings at the very least!
Otherwise, beyond where the film falters, there is an absorbing story about the many ways people struggle with a "gift", whether it's their own, or someone else's. I would recommend it for that alone.