Slumdog Millionaire

It would take a brave man to be negative about Slumdog Millionaire after it won eight Oscars, including Best Picture, last night. I am not that brave and, in any case, I loved Slumdog. It was tough going at times as it pulls no punches in its portrayal of the hardships and cruelty of life in the Mumbai slums. But in the end its vibrancy and optimism cannot be held down. It’s a frenetic thrill ride through the life of Jamel, contestant on the Indian version of Who Wants to be a Millionaire. It tells his story in retrospect by showing how he comes to know the answers to the specific questions posed on the show. The cinematography, editing and driving Bollywood musical score (all of which won Oscars last night) add up to drive the story along at a reckless pace. A rage-to-riches story in the true sense, it will leave an indelible impression, much like a first trip to India.

Vicky Christina Barcelona

A wonderful, light, sexy, intelligent love-letter to Barcelona and the joys of being young and in love from Woody Allen. What a canon of work Woody has given us over the years. You can always feel sure that, regardless of the purpose of the journey or the destination, if you take the trip with Woody it will be an enjoyable one.

Many may find the ending of Barcelona unsatisfying, but most will enjoy the film and the company of these four delightful characters. All four of the main actors are excellent, interesting and engaging. The stand-out for me is Rebecca Hall as the straight laced Vicky, although the Oscar nomination has gone to Penelope Cruz for her portrayal of the passionate and somewhat unhinged Maria Elena. Javier Bardem is very engaging as the likeable Juan Antonio, a character that could not be more distant from his Chigurh in No Country for Old Men last year. A movie that will make you want to move to Spain and take up painting