Disappointing and morally offensive

Rating: 3/10 (5 November 2009)

This is a ridiculous farce and western celebration of a mediocre film. It's novelty (being of 'Indian' (Bollywood) origin) is the real source of the hype. If you have seen the greats (eg Pakeezah), Slum is an insult. This movie is not 'Indian' or 'Asian'. It is ABOUT Indian people, designed for mass (unthinking) consumption. And it hit the jackpot, proving timing is everything.
The West (especially America) is frantic and hungry to embrace other cultures it never cared much for before. Ironically, as new Super Powers (India included) are emerging economic forces to reckon with, their cultures (whoever/whatever may 'represent' them) are frantically grabbed as they pass by, and hailed as "awesome", "wonderful", "great".
Puhlease...
Though she is not in it, think of one movie Ashwarya Rai (the biggest Bollywood transport) has been in that was above mediocre. Don't think too hard -- there is none. Yet she is applauded/worshipped every corner she goes. She cannot act, she can look into the camera and...nothing. It's like Angelina Jolie without any acting skills.
One can't help but feel some embarrassment for the 'crew' of 'The Slums' as there is no doubt they are shocked by the response. They must be. Sure they must be proud too. But I see it in their faces when interviewed. They must know the movie was simply not that great. Whatever positive response/recognition was given, it was not because of the quality of the movie.
With no capacity for 'staying power' or lasting impression, a 3/10 is being very generous for this slummer. The colours were pretty.
For anyone who loves this movie (and I know there are many)...the challenge is to remove the exotic 'brown people' and leave the story as is... Is this still a great movie? Worthy of even a mention at the Oscars?? Puhlease.