Too few films are able to capture the innocence and wonder of childhood. This film is one that does so with relative ease. Most filmmakers are too cynical to capture the amazement by which children see life. Danny Boyle, much like Steven Spielberg in "E.T.", has done so in this film. "Millions" is not very similar to "E.T.", other than that it involves young children in extraordinary circumstances. "Millions" is much deeper and more provocative than "E.T." It covers a whole slew of topics: ethics, boyhood, loss, faith, greed. One of the main themes of the film seems to me to be the loss of a parent. This film very deftly handles the boys reaction to their mother's death. At times, the boys seem almost flippant in regard to her death, as when they use her death to gain sympathy from adults. In reality, they are either running from it, as in Anthony's case, or running to it, as in Damiens case. Neither boys are quite sure what her death means, and how to deal with it. Their reactions to the money symbolize their reactions to their loss. Anthony tries to forget it and wash it away with stuff. Damien tries to find his mother, who he sees as the greatest saint, by becoming a saint himself. Both boys are unrealistic in their goals, and both boys come to some type of terms with her death. This film deals with serious issues, but it deals with them in a very lighthearted, child-like way. Boyle has to be one of the most inventive visual directors. Many directors use frenetic pacing and quick editing to their detriment. Their films are nothing more than a long music video. Boyle uses these techniques with flair and restraint. Like Spielberg, he knows how to dazzle and delight. The boy actors in this film are very good. Or I should say Boyle uses the actors with a master touch. These are two very strong performances. Each of them is cute, but their performances are much deeper than their adorableness. This is a very good film. I hope more people watch it.
