Slumdog Millionaire

Heavily over-rated, but still fine, proto-Bollywood fable. The colonial mindset is still in place; the horrific torture scenes and tales of grinding poverty can't really be placed in conjunction with the wonderfully exuberant cinematography of the slums. It was a little like being preached to "oh, it's so bad, so sad, look at these poor children, but look, they're so happy when they can be, look at the beautiful surroundings, let's all go to India". It was a shame that none of the main characters seemed to have much lasting damage from the terrrors they were meant to have lifter through (a blinding there, chop off half his leg or something. A scratch on the cheek doesn't count). The love story was formulaic as well, it would have been nice if Latika had been given any characterisation at all. (The Characterisation all around was way simplistic). When the plot holes came thick and fast near the end, they failed the test, I did care about the inconsistencies.
We're being grouchy though, it's a good film. Danny Boyle isn't the finest director, but he lays out the sotry nicely, it's a fine set up given. There is tension at the end, and, hey, it is schmaltz, but this is Bollywood. A little exciting, weak in parts, but worth a look if you've so far avoided the raving hordes.