Slumdog Millionaire

Synopsis

Jamal Malik (Dev Patel, Skins) is a Muslim boy born and raised in the poverty of Mumbai. He ends up winning a spot on the smash hit TV game show in India Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? He does better than what some consider very intelligent people and he is just steps away from a chance to win 20 million rupees. Being just a kid from the slums he is interrogated as to how he knows all the answers. Did he cheat? Find out in this Danny Boyle film based on a book called Q and A by Vikas Swarop.

Review

WOWWWWW! WOWWWWW! This is one great cinematic work. I left the theater feeling excited that this is what a movie should be about. Slumdog Millionaire is truly a breathtaking piece of art. It’s brilliant. The writing is professional to the nth degree. There are no loose ends in this movie. Every scene has a purpose and it just drives the film forward. I want to see this movie again. No one I know saw the movie—so I have everyone I know to tell.

Slumdog should not be hidden in just a few theaters. It needs massive wide release and promotion because this movie has the key ingredients in my book to give it 5 reels. I’m talking fantastic dialogue spoken in Hindu and English. I’m talking the most believable child actors I’ve ever seen. WOWWWWWW! These little kids were natural, funny and often acted like little adults. I’m talking character development that will have you invest your every emotion into them. Also, there's danger, villans and major action. And, I can’t forget the amazing story that will have you tear up at times and at others cheering and rooting from your inner core for the main character.

Slumdog Millionaire has a simple premise. Yes, I know, but don’t let the simpleness fool you. Consider this. Slumdog tells the story of a street kid or “slumdog” named Jamal Malik (Dev Patel) who gets a spot on the world’s most popular TV game show Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? EVERYONE questions how a boy from the slums of Mumbai knows all the answers? Hmmm? Even doctors and lawyers don’t get past 60,000 rupees and this kid is close to winning 20 million rupees. Behind every game question and answer is a story about Jamal’s life experiences with his brother Samir trying to survive the mean streets alone on their wits. Jamil grew up po’ and millions of rupees would change his life. If he gets one answer wrong a young brotha loses everything. Oh the tension. Jamil is more interested in being on the show to find his lost lady love named Latika than winning all that money. I guess you can't put a price tag on love.

Yes, this film is filled with highs and lows. The climax is riveting. Did I just use the word riveting? That’s funny. Now I’m starting to sound like everyone else. Well, it was RIIVVEEETING, all that, the bomb or whatever choice words you may use. My heart was beating so fast I thought the penguins from the movie Happy Feet found their little way to my heart and were tap dancing away. From the first 2 minutes I was into the movie and the pace of the first 2 minutes continued for the length of the 2 hour film.

Slumdog shouldn’t be slept on. This film won’t be forgotten. It definitely can be a contender for best picture of the year. Oh yes sir! It’s gritty at times and beautiful at others. It shows Mumbai in past and present times from the slums to the new high rises. Slumdog is also a story of love. Oh yes. Sweet sweet love that just will embrace you if you let it. Shoot, go on and let it touch you in every way it did me. I’m talking this is why I love the movies -- this flick right here. I can go on and on and on about it, but it’s the holidays right now and I have stuff to do. And one thing will be to talk about Slumdog Millionaire.

My Rating ~ 5 Reels

Audience Rating (What's Yours?)