Photo from McClatchy Tribune

“Who wants to be a millionaire?â€Â

This Regis Philbin catchphrase took on a life of its own on Dec. 26, when “Slumdog Millionaire,â€Â the independent drama directed by Danny Boyle and written by Simon Beaufoy was released.

Slumdog takes viewers into a world where each correct answer is another electric shock from a battery cable.

When Jamal (Dev Patel), is selected as a contestant on the Indian version of “Who wants to be a Millionaireâ€Â he sees it as his opportunity to win the heart of his childhood sweetheart Latika (Freida Pinto). With each correct answer, though, suspicions rise that he is cheating, because there is no way a poor uneducated slumdog could know the information.

Winner of four Golden Globes—Best Picture, Best Director, Best Screenplay and Best Original Score–and nominated for 10 Osacars “Slumdog Millionaireâ€Â has been rightfully recognized as one of the best films of 2008.

In order to be released from captivity, Jamal must relive his tragic childhood and tell authorities the painful memories that explain why he knew the answers to each question.

The suspense is almost as gripping as the images of Mumbai̢۪s current distressed state, and it becomes apparent that the character of Jamal represents Mumbai̢۪s rapid economic growth a couple years ago when it went from a series of poor slums to an industrial base for the country.

Aside from the superbly plotted screenplay, actors Patel and Madhur Mittal (Jamal’s older brother Salim) give convincing and driven performances—Patel with great humility, and Mittal with his raw portrayal of the sympathetic villain.

The strongest aspect of the film, though, is a storyline that grabs the attention of a vast audience, with a violent backdrop for action lovers and a romance that overcomes all obstacles perfect for those craving drama.

The ending, although predictable, is satisfying and provides relief for the viewer who was taken on an emotionally draining rollercoaster throughout the rest of the film.

Whether you love independent films, box-office record-breakers; are a regular movie-goer or are looking for something visually satisfying, I highly recommend “Slumdog Millionaire.â€Â
That̢۪s my final answer.