Slumdog Millionaire

After my second viewing, it’s worth mentioning that NO ONE I’ve talked to has disliked this movie. Even the people who claim to be ”so-so” about it can’t think of a single negative thing to say. We would all like to believe that art is subjective. Not everything is for everybody. But sometimes something comes along that IS for everybody -- a work of art made in such earnest that it’s fully embraced by the masses. The perfect film for that time and place. Lightning in a bottle. Something to aspire to? Or maybe just something to admire. Who knows? Maybe 12 years from now people will be scoffing at Slumdog Millionaire the way people do at Titanic. “I can’t believe that won best picture!? Why did the world get suckered-in to that movie so much?! It’s cheesy!” But Titanic did the same thing. It’s a great movie -- in the right place at the right time. Extra special proper respect should go to Dev Patel, who is freakishly enthusiastic as the nerd in love with a beautiful, unattainable woman. But he embodies his character with such a rare fervor, such uninhibited passion, he gives all of us nerds hope.