Green Mile, The MPAA Rating: R Entertainment: +3 Content: -3

How could he participate in killing one of God's miracles of nature? The question haunts Paul Edgecomb (Tom Hanks), head guard at Cold Mountain Penitentiary's Death Row. When John Coffey (Michael Clarke Duncan) is escorted into "the green mile," nickname for the lime green floor to the execution chamber, Paul knows he is different. This seven-foot inmate was convicted for the heinous rape and murder of two little girls. But in a dramatic incident, Paul finds out that the simple, childlike man is not only incapable of taking life but has the power to give life and to heal. When the warden's (James Cromwell) wife (Patricia Clarkson) is struck with a terminal illness, the prison guards devise a scheme to get John's healing power to her before it's too late...for her and John. Academy Award winner Tom Hanks reaches for another possible Oscar in THE GREEN MILE, but audiences are likely to fall in love with Michael Clarke Duncan, a newcomer to the silver screen.

John Coffey has a gift of spreading life and taking away pain and suffering. But the pain in this world is often more than he can bear. His childlike faith and sensitivity allows him to see and feel the suffering of others. But the cruel world he has spent his life helping is now going to kill him for a crime he didn't commit. While innocent, he welcomes a death sentence with a calm assurance that his time on earth is done. Sound familiar? With strong parallels to the biblical redemption story of Jesus, discerning viewers will find the story fascinating but the many obscenities and profanities in the dialogue are disappointing. Also, several graphic execution scenes in the electric chair are disturbing and difficult to watch. Gratuitous, gruesome violence and needless foul language make THE GREEN MILE unredeemable.

Preview Reviewer: Cliff McNeely
Distributor: Warner Brothers, 4000 Warner Blvd., Burbank, CA 91522