Millions **** (2004, Alex Etel, James Nesbitt, Daisy Donovan, Lewis McGibbon, Alun Armstrong, Jane Hogarth) – Classic Movie Review 1061

Just days before the UK switches its currency to Euros, a gang has a chance to rob a poorly-secured train loaded with money on its way to incineration. During the robbery, one of the big bags full of pounds falls from the sky on the playhouse of seven-year old Damian, a boy who enjoys talking to saints.

Screenwriter Frank Cottrell Boyce’s very interesting fantasy premise makes for a highly intriguing film under the direction of Danny Boyle. But it’s a sometimes hesitant, tentative mix of Whistle Down the Wind, The Night of the Hunter, The Ladykillers, Edward Scissorhands and In America, which is a problem since it keeps reminding you of these better, classic movies.

Nevertheless, Millions (2004) is a very sweet little film, with a lot to recommend it, not least its conscience, good heart, warm performances and awful reminder that the UK is still not in the Eurozone in 2014. Actually 10 at the time, Alex Etel makes an impressive debut as a child star and the experienced James Nesbitt is very good as the boy’s father.

Boyle is also the director of Shallow Grave (1994), Trainspotting (1996), A Life Less Ordinary (1997), The Beach (1997), 28 Days Later (2002), Slumdog Millionaire (2008), 127 Hours (2010), Trance (2013) and Steve Jobs (2015).

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© Derek Winnert 2014 Classic Film Review 1061 derekwinnert.com