 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Millions
- Review Date: October 30, 2005
- PG
- Genre: Family and Kids
- 2005
Common Sense Media says
A rare family film that's not just for kids.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this is a little salty language in this film, and a child is threatened by a burglar but there is no violence and overall this is a fine film for families. American kids may need help understanding the thick British accents.
What's the story?
In MILLIONS, British brothers Damian and Anthony have recently lost their mother and have moved with their father to a new home to start over. Younger brother Damian (Alex Etel) has become obsessed with the lives of the saints, memorizing their stats like baseball cards, and seeing and conversing with them in visions that he (and the audience) can't tell from reality. He constructs a hermitage for himself down by the railroad tracks out of leftover moving boxes. And one day a bag full of money falls out of the sky and crashes into the hermitage. Damian is sure it's from God, and wants to use the money to help the poor. Anthony just wants to spend it as fast as he can. But there are two problems: England is converting to the euro in one week, after which the money will be worthless, and the money may have been sent by God, but it was delivered by a burglar -- who wants it back.
Is it any good?
Based on screenwriter Frank Cottrell Boyce's children's book of the same name (Millions), this is a rare movie that has equal appeal to kids and adults -- not a kid's movie that has a few arch jokes to keep the adults happy, but a genuine cross-generational gem. Children will appreciate the funny and suspenseful story, and the respect Boyle and Boyce have both for their young characters and their audience. Adults will like the literate script, which doesn't pander or condescend, and the stylish and original direction.
Newcomer Etel's luminous performance anchors the film and provides its heart and soul. For ultimately, after you cut through all the intellectual and emotional layers, the brilliant cinematography, and the humor and excitement, this is the story of a lonely, loving child trying as hard as he can to be good, to do what's right, and to connect with the world of spirit, but in a way that is never less than believably childlike and real. It's not often a movie like this comes along for the family to share, and talk about.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the effect of money on all aspects of our lives, to how to help others when there's so much need, to how much more complicated being good is than it seems.
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- Teens & kids
AGE
scary for younger kids, disappointed
I was surprised that this was recommended family film for everyone to enjoy. Menacing, stalking thief was too scary for the 7 year old. Accents were impossible for her as well.
Complex themes are introduced such as adults have flawed ethics, but they aren't really dealt with. Did enjoy the quirkiness, but the plot seemed fractured.
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AGE
I luaghed at some parts
You should see this movie and you probaly will like it even though I thought it was so and so. This movie had a wonderful message for all viewers.
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AGE
A change from the usual Hollywood style of family film
This is a funny little film but quite refreshing to see a movie that isn't "Hollywood". My 10 year old boy was mildly scared in parts, probably more because of the gritty way the film is shot (you see far worse scares in the likes of harry potter etc.) but overall enjoyed it. It is unbelievable that people are upset by the 'underwear' scene. I actually appreciated this scene as it gave us a little more insight into the roles played in the family. The boys look at a breast (in a bra) and when the younger boy asks what a nipple is for the older boy replies that it's for feeding babies and remembers back to when their mother was alive and breastfeeding. In my opinion, the dialogue attached to the image made it a tender moment where the older boy was remembering their mother - It is not remotely sexual. Parents who are upset by this and who imply sexual connotations are the ones sending out the wrong message, not the film.
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AGE
The Best!
A very unique movie with great realistic characters. A little scary, and has a little sexual content.
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AGE
Not quite for the under 10 set
Very good film, and violence isn't overt, but burglar character is way too sinister, and the sexual overtones are a bit too rich for the 9 year old rating given here.
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AGE
Good for everyone but younger ones
It was fine. not the best movie i've seen, though.
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AGE
Great story, great values and fun for kids and adults: good Christmas film
This is a one of a kind fable set in modern times. The hero is the younger of two sons of a single father. All three are dealing with the recent loss of the mother, a topic which is handled with great sensitivity and, ultimately, hope. There is a mildly menacing villain but no actual violence and minimal suspense so it's probably not advisable for under age 8. It also rests on an undercurrent of christianity- the boy has semi-comical visions of saints, but it's not really a religious film. Avoid it only if that would really offend you- otherwise this film is a gem. It does take place at Christmastime and has strongly anti-commerical sentiments so a great choice for a movie to see with your kids the week before Christmas.
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AGE
not the best movie.
bad movie. Don't waste your time. My six year old sister was curled up in my mom's lap crying. No humor either.
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| Topics: | book characters |
| Studio: | Fox Searchlight |
| Director: | Danny Boyle |
| Cast: | Alex Etel, James Nesbitt, Lewis McGibbon |
| Genre: | Family and Kids |
| Run time: | 98 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | March 11, 2005 |
| DVD release date: | November 1, 2005 |
| MPAA rating: | PG |
| MPAA explanation: | thematic elements, language, some peril and mild sensuality |
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