Slumdog Millionaire

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: November 12, 2008

DVD Release Date: March 31, 2009

Plot 411: A kid from the slums of Mumbai gets on a game show and answers his way to a million dollars.

Review: I always go into watching these award-winning flicks with a bit of hesitation. Will I really like it? Will it be so abstract that I won't be able to follow it? Will it capture my attention for the entire length of the movie? Will I be able to relate to the material? I mean, I'm just your average movie watcher. I'm not a film nerd or a film school-educated movie critic. Most of the award winners are just so vast and too obtuse for me to fully appreciate like those movie snobs do. However, this film is definitely one that anyone can relate to. It's about the underdog who rises to the challenges in life and who is motivated not by material things but by love. Yes, anyone can relate to that. It's a brilliantly shot film, especially the scenes in the Indian ghetto. The people and the place just seems so alive and thriving. It really didn't look like our American definition of a slum. Yes, the people looked poor but they were living their lives fully and just trying to stay ahead of the game like everyone else. It was a truly inspiring film with a great plot and very developed characters. You really got to know them and into their heads.

Watch It: For a glimpse at the majestic country of India and its people and for a story about what it takes to find and keep your true love.

Skip It: Unless everyone in your family is available to watch it. It really is educational and eye-opening for everyone. Of course, beware that it is rated R.

Trailer: