The Green Mile
Stephen King movies, for a long time, were nothing but poor representations of good books. Occasionally, the odd Stand by Me came out, but they were traditionally stinkers. Then came Shawshank Redemption, and with it a whole slew of great presentations. So I went to this with lofty, but not high, expectations. I almost couldn't believe how good this was.
The Green Mile is the name of death row in a small New England prison, and the movie is based on the events that occur when an absolute hulk of a man, who has a special talent, is sent to die in the electric chair. In the early part of this century, who would have spoken up for a quiet giant of a black man who was found with the bodies of two molested and murdered white girls? Although he seems simple, it is just because he prefers to do without the complexities of life. The guards have a good relationship with their wards, and things go fairly smoothly for everyone on the mile. Except for one guard and one con, but that might give too much away.
Tom Hanks again does really well in yet another movie, getting the sympathetic prison guard down to a fine art. But the movie is stolen by Michael Clarke Duncan, an actor who has had several minor parts through the years, but has finally gotten his due. An equally fine performance was given by David Morse, as a tough but fair guard who knows how to work the ropes of the system. You'll find yourself getting really caught up in the characters, and the end of the movie will give you plenty to think about.
If I haven't made it clear, go and see this movie. Pay full price. It's long, so take a pit stop before you go in, but you'll have no problem staying awake.
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