Slamdunk Millionaire

Finally saw Slumdog Millionaire and it's such a delight that I'm now joining the cause for a case for a Best Picture Nomination for it. I'd want it in one of the 5 slots for diversity's sake anyways but the fact that the movie is so great and with such a sprawling story (with drama, comedy, history, chase scenes, cute little kids, a feel good ending) that it would certainly be an interesting followup to last years Oscar winner No Country For Old Men.

UPDATE 22/02/09 It won It won! It actually became the front runner and won the Best Picture Oscar!

I've heard back from many who saw the freebie screenings and loved it so hopefully word of mouth will make this the little indie hit of the year.

Danny Boyle's (Trainspotting) direction is terrific and fast paced but keeps the emotions moving and real, while Dev Patel is fantastic as our protagonist Slumdog who wins the Indian version of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire, but without giving too much away, there is far more to the story than just that, and the film slowly reveals it all layer by layer, question by final answer.

Loved all the episodic stories told within the constructs of the movie yet it all still felt unified. While we knew they were going to start doing a flashback story at the start of the movie, matching each question being asked on the game show, it never felt tired or exhausted, with help from the varying emotions and stories being told, and much to the credit of the young actors playing our hero Slumdog.

I will admit, I got a bit moist in the eyes a few times and even though we know the eventual feelgood outcome (I mean, it IS spelled out in the title of the film), the movie earned its' joyous ending, as well as the fun Bollywood style musical number during the credits (make sure you stay for that!). Again, I don't want to give away too much so I'm keeping this relatively short (by my usual rambling standards) and leaving it here with my grade:

Slumdog Millionaire = A or 9.5/10