Smart, intuitive, unpredictable and refreshing.

Rating: 9/10 (6 December 2008)

Danny Boyle goes to India. This is one helluva director who really likes to play the gamut. From "Trainspotting" to "Millions". From "28 Days Later" to "Slumdog Millionaire". The only thing any of these movies have in common is they're extraordinary works of film-making that both critics and consumers seem to love. And you won't find a blockbuster among them, and you probably never will from Mr. Boyle. But the lack of box office recognition will probably be the last thing on Boyle's mind come award season when "Slumdog Millionaire" predictably becomes an Academy Award sleeper. Is it that good? You betcha! The style, the substance, the tone, the story all scream wow! And all defy description. It's a heart wrenching, gut wrenching, heart tugging, heart warming, soul searching, spirit lifting, epic drama that is as much romantic as it is harrowing, as suspenseful as it is funny.
Slumdog is the name attached to orphans that grow up in the human cesspool of Mumbai India that somehow manage to survive much like poly wags would in stagnant pools of waste back here in America. Against all odds. Miracle against miracle, this slumdog grows into a smart, streetwise young man, who makes it onto India's version of "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?" And...well, without spoiling the film, all I'll say is "he doesn't." "Want to be a millionaire, that is." Smart, intuitive, unpredictable and refreshing. With a Hollywood ending that's only succeeded by it's Bollywood ending. Is this one of my favorite movies of the year? You betcha! The film's location and occasional use of subtitles will dampen it's overall appeal. But this should find a very loyal and enthusiastic following on DVD and Blu Ray.