Millions

It’s a fantasy so overplayed it’s become a complete cliché: what if you suddenly had enough money to make you rich? In Millions, directed by Danny Boyle (Slumdog Millionaire), this tired scenario gets a fresh new treatment that is at once touching, inventive, and hilarious. When a suitcase stuffed with British pounds literally flies into the playhouse of seven year-old Damian (Alex Etel), the pure-hearted lad turns to the beloved Catholic saints of his visions for guidance in how to spend the money wisely. His manipulative but well-meaning brother (Lewis McGibbon), on the other hand, does all he can to exploit their new-found wealth. It’s the discovery of the money’s origins that sends the brothers into challenging territory, forcing them to decide what really matters to them and how far they’ll go to keep their ideals alive. Both Boyle and screenwriter Frank Cottrell Boyce (24 Hour Party People) are known for their imaginative but intensely adult-oriented films; the artistry, enthusiasm and, ultimately, seriousness they devote to the kid-friendly Millions pays off richly. “A film about real ideas, real issues and real kids . . . There is no overt cuteness, no affected lovability, not a false note in their performances” (Roger Ebert). Colour, 35mm. 98 mins.