Review by: Vin Funaro

Did you think 'Slumdog Millionaire' would end up being one of 2008's biggest films? We definitely had a hand in creating a buzz for it, giving you nonstop content. DesiHits! brought you exclusive interviews with 'Slumdog Millionaire's' world renowned music composer A.R. Rahman. We also sat down with director Danny Boyle and lead actor Dev Patel to get their thoughts on the film. You've had your chance to make your decision on the film now hear what one of our critics thought of 'Slumdog Millionaire'. Tell us if you agree

The Story: Jamil Malik is a young man from the slums making it to the final round of India's version of Who Wants To Be a Millionaire. The only problem is he knows all the answers to the questions and the host just can't seem to believe it. The host claims he's cheating and the movie begins with authorities interrogating him over his knowledge of the questions. His answer to them is the story of his harsh upbringing, moving around from slum to slum with his brother Salim, and meeting the love of his life Latika. Different events in his life gave him the answers to these questions on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire leaving Jamal's winning not accredited to cheating. However his main goal in the end is not to win the money, but to catch the attention of Latika who he has been estranged from for quite some time.

Dev Patel as Jamal Malik- Jamal Malik is referred to as a 'slumdog' as he's a poor boy trying to win 'Who Wants to Be a Millionaire' in order to gain the attention of childhood friend, whose the love of his life, Latika.

Anil Kapoor as Prem Kumar- Prem Kumar is the host of India's version of 'Who Wants to Be a Millionaire' and suspects the young unlikely winner Jamal Malik of cheating.

Freida Pinto as Latika- Latika is the beautiful love interest and childhood friend of Jamal's who ends up living estranged from him for most of her life.

Cast:        
Dev Patel as Jamal Malik
Anil Kapoor as Prem Kumar
Freida Pinto as Latika
Azharuddin Mohammed Ismail as Young Salim Malik

Crew:
Distributor: Fox Searchlight Pictures
Director: Danny Boyle
Story and Screenplay: Simon Beaufoy and Vikas Swarup

What Works:
The writing definitely plays a big part in making this film interesting and letting it stand out from the rest of 2008's critically acclaimed movies. Turning 'Who Wants to Be a Millionaire' into a love story that takes place in the slums of India is original and it definitely works for the film. The actors do a great job speaking in both Hindi and English, keeping you entertained throughout the whole film. Anil Kapoor does a great job as host of 'Who Wants to Be A Millionaire' and Freida Pinto as Latika is absolutely beautiful capturing the love of Jamal and making the audience understand why he just can't forget her.

What Doesn't Work:
The beginning of the film starts out slow. It takes a little too long to reveal the main plot of the film leaving you a little confused. The film also overly portrays the slums of India. It leaves people who are not familiar with India believing it's made up of shacks and people who can't afford shoes and those who are familiar with it a little disappointed in the lack of showing the flourishing India, particularly Mumbai which we don't see in a positive way until the end of the film.

The Soundtrack:
A.R. Rahman composes the soundtrack capturing the true essence of the scenery and plots in the film. It also features two songs from M.I.A. including 'Paper Planes' which people just can't seem to get enough of.

Slated of Rated:
Rated and a little bit more for this film. It's definitely one of 2008's best pictures and should have taken the number one spot in Rolling Stones top film list of 2008 where it only made 2nd place losing to 'Milk'. The scenery in 'Slumdog Millionaire' brings you into another world and the story's one of the most original and interesting idea's I've seen in a film. Don't end your 2008 without seeing this one.

4 1/2 out of 5