Movie Review: The Green Mile

Story: Writer and director Frank Darabont (Shawshank Redemption) has brought another Stephen King novel to the silver screen. I have been an avid reader of King for over 20 years and have enjoyed the scary ride. His crossover to the big screen doesn't always work (Pet Sematary, Christine ) but many do ( Stand By Me, The Dead Zone, Carrie, Misery and Shawshank Redemption). I reluctantly went to this 3 hour and 8 minute film but I sat back and got suckered into another King prison redemption movie. After four tissues and some audible sighs (and I read the book and knew what was going to happen) I report that I like to see the bad guys get their commuppence. Okay, so there are really no surprises, but who cares? It is the mid 1930's, it is the South, where the nicest bunch (most) of prison guards you ever saw have to deal with the good, the bad and the ugly ( and a few miracles). For those who are looking for another Shawshank (two of my relatives) film, this is not it....but there are similarities. There is big music, lots of male bonding, Stephen King 'isms', redemption and long storytelling. For those, like myself, who are ardent death penalty opponents, as a bonus, you will also get a message you will like from the film.

Acting: Amazingly, Tom Hanks puts in another seemingly effortless super performance. He is just plain likable. There is a large talented ensemble cast including Michael Clark Duncan (as the big miracle fellow whose initials are not surprisingly J.C.), James Cromwell (Babe the pig's farmer Dad), David Morse, Barry Pepper, Jeffrey DeMunn (who is on the Law and Order reruns nightly), David Hutchinson, Michael Jeter, Bonnie Hunt and a terrific mouse.

Pets: Mr. Jingles, a mouse has a very big part, I read that they actually used 22 different mice.

Sappy Factor: 8

Quirky Meter: 2

Visual Art: None

Length: Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay over the 2 hour rule. Points are deducted.

LOBO HOWLS: 7