Last night I met up with Steph and Alek so that I could deliver a couple of birthday presents for the two of them that I procured on my most recent trip to NYC. Because either they or I were out of town on their respective birthdays, I wasn’t able to partake of their bday celebrations. I tried to get them to come out to the movies with me last night but they initially opted out because of work they had to do. Once they heard I was going to see Slumdog Millionaire, they were happy to put the work on hold and come out to the movies with me:

I’ve been hearing really great things about this film but never really paid much attention to seeking it out. When David told me the premise (an Indian boy goes on the gameshow Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? to win the love of his life) I kinda dismissed the idea that the film would be any good. Then I heard that Danny Boyle (28 Days Later, Sunshine) directed the film (with a little help from Loveleen Tandan) and I learned that Dev Patel (who played Anwar on the amazing British series Skins) stars in the film and, well, I had to see the movie. Man … the movie is so great. It’s one of those indie films that tugs at all the right heartstrings and really makes you cheer for the protagonist. By far the most impressive acting performances came from the very young actors Ayush Mahesh Khedekar and Azharuddin Mohammed Ismail. They play Jamal and his brother Salim (respectively) at their youngest and are phenomenal! Just amazing acting performances for such little kids. The use of music was also something that I really responded too … Paper Planes by M.I.A. is featured in the movie but so is a song called Aaj Ki Raat by Sonu Nigam, Mahalaxmi Lyer & Alisha Chinoi — what a great pop song! It sounded to me like an Indian Kylie Minogue song. As soon as I got home, I downloaded the soundtrack from iTunes. There are some really great songs on this soundtrack.

I don’t want to give anything about the film away … I think the film works better the less you know (after all, I almost dismissed this film just from hearing David’s description). I will say this, tho, after seeing this movie I now have new questions of how Meridith Vieira might be behind the scenes on the US version of WWTBAM? ;) By far, this was one of my fave movies of the year. I can’t think of a thing about the film that I didn’t like … it’s a great story — and the ending? Well, you’re just gonna hafta see it for yourself. I suspect you’ll be on the edge of your seat like I was. Loved this film! I think you will, too.

I believe I’m meeting up with the guys again tonight to take in a little show by Candis Cayne at The Abbey. I hear it’s not to be missed. I may venture out to see what all the fuss is about.