Search - Delivering Milo on DVD

A spiritually uplifting film that should have had a wider re

Nicholas Carroll | Portland OR United States | 12/14/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I never even heard of this film until this month when my Spiritual Cinema Circle subscription featured this film in its November 2005 mail-out. For those who don't know, Spiritual Cinema Circle is a mail distribution service where members get a dvd each month that includes 3 short films and one feature film of spiritually inspiring content. They bring little known films into your home and I haven't been disappointed yet.

Anyhow, in the film "Singles", Campbell Scott's character and Bridget Fonda's character agree that while their relationship as a couple didn't work, that they were probably a "scorching couple in another universe." Well, once again they team up as a couple for this film. I'm a big fan of Bridget Fonda and try to see all of her works. She's made a lot of movies, but most of the roles haven't been high-profile as they were in the early 90s. In this film, she really shines as a pregnant wife who still carries the pain of having a father walk out on her at a young age.

The spiritual aspect of this film revolves around Milo, a card-playing boy who doesn't want to leave heaven for a lifetime on earth. His refusal to go when his time comes up has catacalysmic effect on the earth, so the board members who determine birth cycles enlist the help of a cantankerous old man serving time in hell for a lifetime of carnal desires. He has one day to convince Milo to be born. What ensues is a romp through Manhattan, hitting all the sights/activities that children tend to enjoy. Albert Finney as the old man is hilarious and reminds me of Jackie Gleason. He's thinking more about himself than the boy, so when he crosses paths with an old flame, played by Leslie Ann Warren (everything I've seen her in, she plays a floozie who can't stop giggling), they take a trip to Atlantic City for some adult fun of gambling.

By the time the film reaches resolution, we see the connection and purpose for everything, and it reaches a surprising yet satisfying conclusion. One thing I particularly enjoyed in this film were the members of the board...essentially kids acting grown-up, one of them an African American speaking with a very snobby-type of accent, which is done for humorous effect. I love how they keep the old man on the mission everytime he gets distracted by the ladies.

So, give this film a chance. I have no idea why it didn't get a wide release. It was supposedly released in 2001, and seeing New York with the World Trade Center, I don't know if that was an issue post 9/11, but if that's the case, it was a wrong decision. We could've used an inspiring comedy with spiritual elements to help us through our shock, grief, and trauma of that horrible day and the dark weeks after. This film will inspire you and maybe even give you something to think about regarding the children who choose to be born to you."

Superb "discovery" of an enchanting, award-winning film!!!

E. Parkinson | Los Angeles, CA | 06/01/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

""DELIVERING MILO" is one of those rare finds on DVD, which delivers far more entertainment value than the promise of its eye-catching packaging. Featuring an impressive all-star cast, this film re-invents the "It's A Wonderful Life" concept by introducing the concept of a heavenly order to all child births. When young Milo refuses to be born, the divine balance is disturbed and no other children anywhere on the planet can be born until the order is restored. To remedy this dilemma, an errant angel-in-training is called upon, portrayed splendidly by the always affable Albert Finney. His mission is to take Milo to Earth and convince him (within 24 hours) that life truly is wonderful and that he wants to be born. Milo's parents (played by Bridget Fonda and Campbell Scott) are superb, as are great supporting roles from Lesley Ann Warren ("Desperate Housewives") and Alison Lohman ("Matchstick Men"). But the surprise-star of the show is young Anton Yelchin as Milo, a thoroughly likable and curiously conflicted child. You can count on seeing Anton Yelchin emerge as one of the next generation's leading young men. "DELIVERING MILO" was shot in 2001 (there's an establishing shot of New York City, showing the World Trade Center); but disputes over the film's production and distribution rights kept this gem "on the shelf" for the past four years while the parties worked out their differences. I noticed that the primary logo is from LAKESHORE ENTERTAINMENT, the respected international production and distribution outfit behind other wonderful films, including last year's Oscar winning "Million Dollar Baby." If you want a great DVD experience (whether purchasing or renting), "DELIVERING MILO" is an absolute keeper!
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A surprisingly delightful movie

Layla Madison | Somewhere | 07/13/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This movie is considered splendid given it's lack of publicity and marketing. It is one of those delightful discoveries u would find.
It is a story about the brutality, misery, bleakness of life, positioning side by side with the warmth, love, and exhilaration that life on earth provides. Totally bittersweet. Told from a perspective of a boy, Milo, who is about to be born. Milo was afraid of the unknown of entering Earth through birth. A deal was made by the authorities of 'heaven', to give Milo a chance to make a trip down to Earth, (in Manhattan) to convince Milo that life is actually exciting and great (under the supervision of an old soul, Albert Finny. To Albert's benefit, he could re-born again, given that Milo would be make willing to be born. Albert Finny proved to be a total dope on Earth, giving Milo the wrong impression of how terrible the world is. His irresponsibilities led Milo the wrong way. Before Albert died, he abandoned his family. Unfortunately, the news of Albert's abandonment of his family reached Milo ears. Milo was than convinced that life is nothing but a disaster and there is nothing worth to be born. However, Milo's refusal to be born would be a catastrophe because than the door of birth in heaven would be close for good, no child will be born, and that marks the end of mankind. However, as fairy-tale liked movies are, the ending is bittersweetly coated. Milo had an encounter with his soon-to-be mother, Bridget Fonda (looking gorgeous in this movie) and found out that love is what makes everything seem alright. He loved her before he is even born! How wonderful is that! There was the part where Milo reach out to touch Bridget's swelled stomach tentatively, it sends a shiver down my spine. A pretty cool shiver though. Milo was amazed by life. Apparently, God had a plan appointing Albert as Milo's supervisor. Bridget is actually Albert forsaken daughter. Through the years, Bridget couldn't deal the pain her father left behind. She seemed to have an emotional baggage that spills open regarding child rearing and her trust of men- hence the stormy relationship with her husband, Scott. Her unhappy childhood paints a bleak picture for Bridget's unborn child. However, everything seems to wrap up with a perfect closure. A bittersweet, heart wrenching closure.
I love the movie. A perfect pick-me-up movie when you feeling low. Life is still great and beautiful amidst all the disasters. Well, i think that's the theme of this film."

One of the best family films ever made... really!!!

David Singer | Littleton, CO | 10/02/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"What a surprise to discover a great film that is otherwise unknown to the masses! After reading a glowing review in the Boston Globe, I had to order this DVD and see for myself. Yes, it's all true: DELIVERING MILO is a superb feature film that balances humor, philosophy and drama in a modern day twist on "It's A Wonderful Life." Without giving away the plot, I can say that no one is likely to be able to resist the affable Albert Finney and the enchanting young Anton Yelchin as MILO. Check it out!!!"