Experience Is Everything..But

Rating: 5/10 (14 December 2008)

Having read about all the critics falling over themselves praising this film, I thought I would be greatly entertained. I was, but only mildly. The story of a contestant on "Millionaire" whose knowledge all stems from experiences in his life is a great idea, but by the end of the film I just did not care enough about him to see whether he would take the prize or not. I don't think Jamal's character is particularly sympathetic or likable enough for me to be behind him. The relationship with Latika was, to me, not explored all that well. I was in a theater with a fairly sizable audience and no one laughed. I shrugged my shoulders throughout. Well made as it is, it just didn't matter to me what happened to Jamal. Thats unfortunate. Thats why I recommend the film as a film that has merit in its execution but little merit in its characters. I wouldn't want to know anyone in this film. Thats why I didn't love it, only kind of liked it.