Movie Review - Slumdog Millionaire

Monday, March 2, 2009

Movie Review - Slumdog Millionaire

Starring Dev Patel, Irrfan Khan, Anil Kapoor and directed by Danny Boyle.

Rated R for some violence, disturbing images, and language.

Synopsis: British director Danny Boyle takes another intriguing career turn with this heartfelt underdog tale. Jamal Malik (Dev Patel) is a street kid (or "slumdog") who has landed an appearance on India's... British director Danny Boyle takes another intriguing career turn with this heartfelt underdog tale. Jamal Malik (Dev Patel) is a street kid (or "slumdog") who has landed an appearance on India's version of the hit TV game show WHO WANTS TO BE A MILLIONAIRE? Jamal exceeds expectations on the show, and the producers alert the police after they become suspicious of his methods. The young contestant is subsequently arrested and is interrogated at the hands of a nameless police inspector (played by Bollywood star Irfan Khan). As the interrogation proceeds, Boyle tells Jamal's story through harrowing flashbacks that both show the terrible poverty of Mumbai and help explain how he knew the answers to the MILLIONAIRE questions. SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE is a tightly woven story that has been expertly edited into shape. The contrast between Jamal's upbringing and his chance of escaping it on the show are adeptly juxtaposed. Mumbai is portrayed as a place of terrifying poverty and unforgettable brutality, and Jamal and his brother get into a never-ending succession of challenging situations. But the way Boyle ties together Jamal's life experiences with his answers on the show is quite brilliant, and the film really does run the full gamut of emotions as we see him growing up, falling in love, coming close to death, and teetering on the brink of escaping from his terrible predicament. The film belongs to Boyle's cast, who are mostly unknown outside of India. Patel, in particular, gives a startlingly mature performance that audiences are likely to remember long after the credits role on this affecting feature.

So I used the synopsis from www.rottentomatoes.com as I pretty much felt that this flick couldn't be reviewed anymore. It has already won the best picture award at the Academy Awards along with 7 other prestigious awards. How can you not want to see this movie? Let me assure you, that it is great and VERY MUCH WORTH YOUR TIME. Go see it, you won't be disappointed. I'm just sad that I wasn't able to see it until now, but I'm so glad I have now.

Slumdog is playing at Cinema 3. Check www.fridleytheatres.com for showtimes. Don't forget this Thursday night at MIDNIGHT, the Cinema 3 will be showing the new flick WATCHMEN for its worldwide premiere. Get in line early.

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