Today is All Saint’s Day, a day most appropriate for the DVD release of the movie Millions.

It is a rare pleasure to discover a movie that hasn’t been overblown by media hype and yet truly deserves to be praised from the rooftops. Millions is one such movie. Mary and I saw this in its theatrical run back in May for our anniversary. Seeing the trailer online had us sold and Millions turned out to be a real treasure of a movie.

Millions is a story “from the imagination of Danny Boyle”. Boyle is no slouch in the movie department. He’s directed some great ones: Trainspotting (1996) and A Life Less Ordinary (1997) starring Ewan McGregor among others; The Beach with Leonardo DiCaprio (2000) and 2002’s excellent zombie flick 28 Days Later. In Millions Boyle creates a feel good film with the whimsy and flair of Tim Burton’s Big Fish.

Millions centers around 7 year old Damian, a dreamer who sees and talks to dead saints, and his more practical 9 year old brother Anthony. The film opens with the boys moving to a new home with their father some time after the death of their mother. Anthony seems to deal with his mother’s death by being a normal, somewhat self-centered boy. Damian’s grief is dealt with differently. He envisions famous and not-so-famous saints and has detailed conversations. It is these moments that reflect the same magical element that Burton’s Big Fish does. A bag of money seemingly falls from the sky right into the lap of young Damian. Believing this is an answer to prayer he sets out trying to do good with his millions. Damian’s older brother has more material desires in mind. A slightly fantastical storyline involving crooks and a deadline in which the money must be spent sends both boys on a whirlwind adventure.

Everything about this film is amazing and it ranks up there with several bigger budget films as one of the best movies to come out this year. The cast is inspiring. James Nesbitt plays a very down to earth, “real” father, Lewis McGibbon is somewhat self-centered but ultimately very likeable as Damian’s older brother Anthony, and Alex Etel makes his acting debut as Damian and is absolutely terrific. The special, “whimsical” effects are wonderful, the film is vividly colored, and the soundtrack is filled with ethereal, uplifting music. Millions ends on an inspiring note that not only espouses the value of what true wealth is but does so in a way that really makes a difference. This film along with Dear Frankie are two of the best, least stereotypical “feel good” movies I’ve seen in a long time. It is wonderful.

I rushed out to buy this movie over my lunchbreak this afternoon and have already informed the family that this is tonight’s family activity. Mary and I love it and no doubt our daughter will fall in love with it as well. Hopefully you will too.