Student Film Reviews

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1. Josh Jenkins 02.10.09 / 10pm

   This is another great movie. Done very well with a bit of an artistic flash, this film leaves you with a good feeling. Taking the audience on a journey to places that we would typically not go, Slumdog Millionaire really does show us that love is a very powerful thing. It has a good balance of comedic, dramatic, and suspenseful moments. I think it was interesting how it explored the difference between pursuing money, and pursuing love, and the dangers of both. Salim gets destroyed by his greed, however, Jamal’s journey to find Latika is no less easy, if not harder. I thought that the musical score of the movie was a great fit. Very fun to listen to. I also liked how the subtitles were placed all around the screen in different colors. I have never seen that done before, and thought that it was a good artistic choice. Over all, a great movie that explores easily relatable human conditions.
2. Rachel Reenders 02.22.09 / 2pm

   Slumdog Millionaire is one of the most powerful movies of the year, incorporating many thrilling journeys and experiences into one. As the author mentions, irony is key to this film, and it is used in more way than one to tie the whole film together. More than anything, this is an extremely motivating and inspirational film that shows the endless possibilities that are fathomable in life. Jamal is the kind of character that anyone can relate to; he has so many problems and struggles in his life, to say the least, and his hearts one desire is to be with is beloved Latika. He stops at nothing, and he realizes that money and possessions are so not important in life, only being with his soul mate is.
3. Tia Summers 03.06.09 / 8pm

   Slumdog Millionaire is by far one of the most interesting movies I have ever seen. With a great cast, a fascinating plot, exciting music and amazing editing, this film is honestly one of the best movies of the year. Slumdog Millionaire is a roller coaster of emotions as there are comedic moments, scenes of terror and horror, and finally moments of true love. Slumdog is a very real movie; the characters are real – the setting is real – the action especially is all very real. The characters are very identifiable to people we meet throughout life and that helps connect the audience to the film. For example, Saleem, who is overwhelmed with wealth, power and greed – a character type that is very common in society. And Jamal who is the innocent underdog who ultimately wins everything in the end. The honesty of the film and its portrayal of India is earth shattering and definitely an eye opener to people who are unfamiliar with the true living conditions of other countries around the world. Every aspect of Slumdog was perfect and the film should easily be recognized as one of the best movies of the year!
4. PAUL OLSON 03.16.09 / 9am

   Truly, a spectacular film with a compelling story. First, I love the underdog stories. This is the absolute epitome of an underdog story with the fairytale ending fitted perfectly to it. I was skeptical at first because I hadn’t really seen or heard much about the film. But the first viewing was followed by many with many more of my friends, trying to get them to buy into this great movie. Jamal’s character is what tied me in to the movie. He really had to endure so much for such a kid. He never gave up though. It seemed that not even the hardest of trials could stop him from continuing. With what he had to live through, I couldn’t imagine someone in the U.S. continuing with life even after the first tragedy Jamal went through. It really puts into perspective what we have here, and the reality of how bad the world can be. I couldn’t think of a better place to put the movie than in the slums of India.
5. Steven Helton 03.18.09 / 4am

   I thought Slumdog Millionaire was one of the best movie of the year. It was truly original and hard to compare to any other film. The unknown cast was phenomenal, and it was a perfect balance of comedy, tragedy, and love that makes you want to laugh and cry. I thought Danny Boyle did a phenomenal job in this movie except for one scene. I thought the action sequence in the end that resulted in Salem death was done poorly; it looks like a cheap, low budget movie scene. I know it’s unfair to judge a movie on one particular scene, but it is reasonable when it is the best movie of the year.
6. Christine Evans 03.18.09 / 3pm

   This was the best movie that I’ve seen recently! I absolutely loved the movie and its clever way of telling just how Jamal knew every answer to the questions on ‘Who wants to be a Millionaire.” Although I felt the ending was a little far fetched, it didn’t make me like the movie any less. My favorite part is how he knew Benjamin Franklin was on a hundred dollar bill. I thought the way he found this out was such a good twist, especially bringing back the idea of the orphanage. I loved every moment of this movie including the end when the cast dances in the subway station. This uplifting part added a great ending. Thank you for writing a review on my new favorite movie!
7. Stephanie Kuhlman 03.19.09 / 5pm

   I went into the theater and saw “Slumdog Millionaire” without ever hearing or seeing anything about it. I must have been hiding under a rock or something because apparently it is a HUGE movie. I went into it with no knowledge of what it was even about so you could imagine my confusion when I saw not only the “Who Wants to be a Millionaire” show was being played but then also the flashback to the main character, Jamal’s, childhood. I found myself to have come across basically every emotion you could while watching the movie. I laughed hysterically when Jamal as a child jumped into the “poop pit” just to get his favorite celebrity’s autograph. I also found myself deeply disturbed by some of the violence that went on through the movie. I love how the director set up the movie and how the plot began to make more and more sense as the movie went along. The actors truly grasped their characters and made them seem very real. I am honestly very happy I was dragged to go see this movie. It opened up my eyes to such harsh realities and it was also very entertaining.
8. Caroline Plumridge 03.19.09 / 6pm

   I enjoyed “Slumdog Millionaire” as well as Joel Pederson’s review. It was so inspiring to see Jamal’s hope to get past all of the rotten people in his life. I love that his love for Latika was also incorporated into the film. I also liked that some history of fighting (between the Muslims and Hindus) was also incorporated in a way that changed my perspective of how violent and disturbing they can be. The things that the gangs made the kids do were really intense and frightened me a bit. Danny Boyle did a great job with the costumes, locations and make-up choices. I also really enjoyed the fact that as soon as something started going well, it would all collapse and that kept me really enthralled.
9. Corey Caulk 03.20.09 / 8pm

   Slumdog Millionaire was a fantastic film. It had everything a moviegoer could ask for, humor, action, romance, suspense, fantastic cinematography and a great soundtrack. I have enjoyed Danny Boyle’s previous work, most notably Trainspotting and Sunshine. But, these two movies pale in comparison to Boyle’s work in Slumdog Millionaire Boyle cleverly used narrative to tell the audience that the best education comes from our life experiences. Anthony Dod Mantle provides amazing visuals that are full of both explosive color and a gritty darkness that let the viewer become fully immersed into the Jamal’s world. I rarely agree that the Oscar Winner for Best Picture is the best film of the year, but this film is definitely the best film I have seen in a very long time.
10. Mia Sharrigan 03.26.09 / 12pm

    Everybody was talking about this movie, and kept telling me to see it. I think a lot of people would agree that just by hearing what it was about, it doesn’t sound too intriguing. It didn’t necessarily sound boring, just not something I needed to spend my money on. I finally saw it, and I walked out of the theater so pleased that I did. I watched the Academy Awards in shock when Slumdog Millionaire took award after award for its excellence, but after seeing it, I would have to agree with its many praises. I feel like it had everything a good movie should have: love, crime, hope, and a happy ending. I loved the way the movie was organized. It was a far more interesting and entertaining way of giving a background story. I can honestly say that it was one of the better movies I’ve seen in a while.
11. Christian Borg 04.13.09 / 4pm

    Slumdog Millionaire was a really good film. And this review of the film is really good; it describes the movie so well without telling too much for people how haven’t seen it yet. I didn’t like Slumdog Millionaire at the first time I saw it, but after I have realized that it is a wonderful movie with wonderful pictures, exciting music and a beautiful love story. And after I read this review I must see this movie again. This is a movie you talk about with your friends and want them to go and see.
12. Diana Walsworth 04.13.09 / 6pm

    Slumdog Millionaire is a remarkable story about a kid from the slums who strikes it big on a game show, and of course the show owner doesn’t believe him and feeds him to the cops, who in turn find him innocent of cheating. It’s not every day that a girl finds such a dedicated man, one who spends his life chasing her. The cast was awesome, but the growing up character sequence didn’t really match, and I thought it was a little disappointing. But I suppose the acting made up for it. The storyline of the main character’s child hood is also extraordinary and extremely well put together in the film; it really catches the heart.
13. Ally Perry 04.14.09 / 8am

    Before I went and saw this film, I had heard it was the “Best film of the year” and had built up many expectations. I felt as though it had been talked up more than it was able to deliver. I very much enjoyed this film, but after seeing it, I didn’t understand why people were so obsessed over it. I felt as though I had seen other films this year that deserved the title of “Best Film of The Year” more than Slumdog did. I enjoyed the story and the soundtrack, and probably would have enjoyed it more going into it without any expectations at all.
14. Cassandra Wilson 04.14.09 / 8pm

    I definitely agree with the author’s statement that irony is one of the main concepts of the film. Though this boy has come from nothing and has lost nearly everything he ever loved, he still somehow manages to find the motivation to search for his true love, and in the end winds up coming out on top. This was an extremely powerful and moving film, and I thought it was brilliant the way all the different experiences in Jamal’s life led up to the one life-changing event of the gameshow. This movie really takes the viewer on a journey to places most of us have never been, and shows us how much more there is to life than money. Though Jamal has been stomped on his whole life, it is inspiring to know that even a “slumdog” kid can find happiness in the world.
15. Josie Piercey 06.27.09 / 9am

    I definitely agree with film critic Danny Boyle and his perspective on the fact that this film is made off of irony. It truly is for the fact that Jamal is left with nothing yet manages to become a millionaire due to all his life experiences. One thing that I noticed in this film is that the themes are very much based of society and how so many people are abandoned in life yet managed to make a great living and pursue their dream. Also I liked his last comment where he mentions that love is more important than any game show. This was the main theme of Jamal’s life, he would do anything to save Latika and be with her. Even though she was taken away and his brother Salim violated her, he still loved and wanted to be with Latika. I would recommend this film to anyone, i enjoyed it so much.
16. Brianna Davis 06.30.09 / 3pm

    This movie was great! It had a in interesting love story with some horror involved. It was really neat to see how he won the millionaire show by the flashbacks of all of his life experiences in India. One thing i did not like about the film is that the condition of india that they displayed of the poverty, homelessness, and dirtiness was over-exaggerated. India’s overall appearance is not like that and has not been like that for a long time. I have family in New Delhi and Mumbai and the pictures/videos/my experience is nothing like the movie. The movie’s greatest characters were Latika, Jamal, and Salim and how they worked with eachother in overcoming their horrific childhood and as they got older Salim took a different turn making him the enemy towards Jamal and Latika. I think that the film makers wanted to make a unique love story that every viewer could remember because there is so many typical “American” love stories, i feel that they wanted to experiment a little bit and develop somthing different/more foreign/something that Americans don’t hear about every day. I recommend this film to anyone that enjoys foreign films as well as intriguing love stories like this one.
17. Zachary Peterson 07.01.09 / 9am

    I thoroughly enjoyed watching Slumdog Millionaire. I was not one of the firsts to see it, so by the time I actually did view it; I had already heard many other reviews. I was expecting something far different than I received. It definitely encompassed a variety of genres. It was clearly a drama influenced by horror and even multiple comedic references. All these aspects of the movie really held the attention of the audience but, I would not go as far as to say it was, as many said, “The best film of the year” but it was inspiring. The film also contained many deep undertones, just as the author says. Love is more important than the game show, and the power of hope is very strong, especially for these young poor kids of India.
18. Ysidra Valdez 07.03.09 / 8am

    The director Danny Boyle has done it again in making an instant classic in Slumdog Millionaire. Slumdog Millionaire surprised me in every way from the title to having M.I.A on the soundtrack. The film is a perfect ten and a must see for everyone to add on their list. The film was just captivating in every way from the storyline of the undying love of Jamal for Latika to the locations filmed in the slums of Mumbai. Boyle understands to get human emotions of joy, pity, and anger through powerful images and dialogue. The film is heartening because Jamal lost everything he had love and regains it back with determination.
19. Xian Yngojo-Wang 07.03.09 / 12pm

    I really enjoyed Slumdog Millionaire because of its story, cinematography, and music choice. I had no idea what to expect from this movie, but when I watched it, I was captivated by the adventures the characters encountered. This film evoked a lot of emotion in me because I was able to sympathize with Jamal and his journey. His innocence shines through, as it is a very strong, likable characteristic. You really feel for Jamal and the betrayal and hardships he encounters. One scene I enjoyed was the scene in the beginning where the kids are running from the police. The aerial view is extraordinary and the music selection could not have been chosen any better. I liked all of the soundtracks in this movie and in fact, have a few of them on my computer.
20. Sarah Burks 07.03.09 / 3pm

    For once, this movie is as good as the hype. It is a rare glimpse at how the poor live in India – the abject poverty, the conflict between the Hindus and the Muslims, and the cruel treatment of young children. It is also a love story of longing and the final triumph against all odds. The acting is very convincing and the plot is gripping. I thoroughly enjoyed this movie and highly recommend it.
21. Jenna Cohen 07.03.09 / 6pm

    There is a reason why I chose to see this movie not once, but twice in the theaters. Slumdog Millionare not only had an intriguing plot, but had all the elements that make a successful film. Great actors, fascinating cinematography, enjoyable music, and a satisfying finish. This movie was dramatic, thrilling, and romantic all at the same time. It is nice that this movie has received such positive feedback because it deserves the attention. There was no lacking in any department. Even the costumes and casting was more the exceptional. Slumdog Millionare had all of America rooting for the main character to succeed in finding his true love. In my opinion, this movie has benefited my own outlook on life and hopefully other people will agree.
22. Nicole Draeger 10.14.09 / 8pm

    “Slumdog Millionaire” is a great movie and I think it truly deserved the Academy Award for Best Film in 2009. The film is considered “The Feel-Good Film of the Decade” which in my opinion is true. I decided to watch the film after it was nominated for ten Academy Awards. I loved the cast and that fact that none of them were well-known as actors made this movie special. Their performance is just remarkable and very authentic. The scenes are so full of emotional moments that the movie just captures the viewer. There is happiness, bliss, sadness and frustration. The characters experience cruelty, injustice and unkindness but on the finish line they reach the end of their journey and triumph over everything. The mix of love and money was well stated in the film and I really liked the fact that a “humble guy” like Dev Patel can achieve so much. The film is inspiring and really leaves you with a good feeling at the end.
23. Nikola Lapackova 10.16.09 / 10pm

    I came across this movie during the last Santa Barbara International Film Festival.
    In fact, I was a bit skeptical thanks to the sensation it had created among the media but I understood why everybody was praising this movie so much within the first five minutes of watching it. Jamal, the poor Indian kid who grew up in the slums of Mumbai, gained my sympathy immediately and I couldn’t wait to find out more about his life and, above all, what the director wanted to say by using the lame and notoriously known TV show “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire”. Jamal’s participation in the show and his last correctly answered question is a turning point of his whole life full of struggle, in the world of people who pursue their happiness through money, greed, craftiness, violence and disability to love. We learn about the events that made him to succeed and him, representing the purity, goodness and perseverance in contrast to all the ill-motivated characters through his flashbacks.
    The camera cuts from the TV studio to the police station, where Jamal faces the conviction of cheating in winning millions of Indian rupees, and everyday life of the Mumbai city. The interesting use of digital hand held camera uncovers the tiniest corners of Mumbai’s slams and brings a breathtaking authenticity to the life where the rich live right next door to the poor. The performance of the main protagonists and their smooth transition from children to adults is very smooth and verisimilar. Their outstanding dialogues, combining English with Hindi and its soundtrack, that mixes the sound of the city with upbeat instruments and Bollywood hip-hop, are underlining the whole atmosphere.
    Slumdog Millionaire is a compelling modern fairy tale about fate and the world where love wins over the evil presented in an extremely interesting form. Danny Boyle is like a chameleon director who always surprises by his choice of the script. Rumors has it that he was not originally interested in shooting a story about “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” and wanted to turn this script down but he got hooked when he finished reading the first two pages. I’m glad he did. That exactly expresses my feelings about this movie. Watching this movie is like a love for the first sight. It is another “must have” in any movie fan’s collection.
24. Mary Vasquez 07.19.18 / 6am

    Hi Joel Pedersen, the film Slumdog Millionaire is an emotional rollercoaster that shows Jamal’s entire life and his many struggles from a young child to an adult. The music used creates excitement, the plot is extraordinary, and the circumstances in this film are very realistic and happening in our world today. I love your opening to the response about how ironic this movie is. Especially the irony in Jamal’s life about the odds being against him but he never lost sight of who he is or what her wanted in life. The setting of the slums in India showed the audience another way of life that they may not have ever seen or experience. I love this because it educates society about the other parts of the World that they may have never known about before. The real life struggles of growing up in a third world and living in poverty, dealing with greedy people and trying to stay true to yourself.
25. Kyla Robbins 07.21.18 / 10am

    Hi Joel Pedersen, the movie, “Slumdog Millionaire”, was one of the most popular movies that was produced during 2008. This film consists of so many aspects affecting the audience in an emotional way due to the ups and downs throughout the movie. I love how you explained the usage of irony in the film. I agree with you that irony is one of the most important angles to use in movies due to it changing the movie in such an interesting way. After reading what you wrote, I clearly knew you unraveled what the author was trying to show the readers. This movie by far has one of the best messages behind it which is to never lose hope. The main character, Jamal, continues to go through hardships and obstacles but always finds a way to somehow be optimistic about his situation. In addition, no matter how hard his situation was he never lost hope. One of the many reasons I loved watching this film so much was because of the beautiful message behind it.
26. Kyla Robbins 07.21.18 / 10am

    Hi Joel Pedersen, I’m so glad I got to read what you wrote. The movie, “Slumdog Millionaire”, was one of the most popular movies that was produced during 2008. This film consists of so many aspects affecting the audience in an emotional way due to the ups and downs throughout the movie. I love how you explained the usage of irony in the film. I agree with you that irony is one of the most important angles to use in movies due to it changing the movie in such an interesting way. After reading what you wrote, I clearly knew you unraveled what the author was trying to show the readers. This movie by far has one of the best messages behind it which is to never lose hope. The main character, Jamal, continues to go through hardships and obstacles but always finds a way to somehow be optimistic about his situation. In addition, no matter how hard his situation was he never lost hope. One of the many reasons I loved watching this film so much was because of the beautiful message behind it.

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