“Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?”, the Indian slums, and The Three Musketeers–hardly images that come to mind when thinking of the year’s most entertaining movie. The past year will not be remembered as significant in film. The 2008 releases could not keep pace with the spectacular year that was 2007: “There Will Be Blood,” “The Departed,” “No Country for Old Men,” “Pan’s Labyrinth,” “Pirate’s of the Caribbean: At World’s End,” and “Ratatouille” all enraptured audiences all across America. The blockbusters of 2008 were “The Dark Knight” and “Iron Man,” and that’s about it. Flying under the radar is “Slumdog Millionaire,” a heartwarming tale of an impoverished Indian teenager making an appearance on the Indian version of “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” (concisely titled “Kaun Banega Crorepati”). Amazingly, the uneducated boy, named Jamal, has gotten every question right. The film begins right before he is set to answer the last question, worth 20,000 rupees. Unfortunately, a police inspector, played by Irrfan Khan, does not believe in Jamal’s luck. Jamal is beaten and tortured with electric shocks until he slacks unconscious. When he comes to, the police inspector asks him how he has managed to come so far on the game show. Jamal reveals no genius with his answer, just the dependable knowledge of experience. The next half of the film is dominated by Jamal’s flashbacks–for every correct answer, a story from Jamal’s life is recalled. The existence of this “slumdog” begins in the slums. His brother, Salim, locks Jamal in an outhouse when the most famous Bollywood actor in India appears. Jamal is so desperate for an autograph that he jumps out of the outhouse, only to be covered in realistic-looking poo. The film then reveals more about Jamal’s life, and the narrative is a backdrop for India. The good and bad sides of India are seen, with its vibrant culture overshadowed by acute poverty and hopeless child beggars. At one point Salim threatens his brother just to get his girlfriend, whom he takes back to his room for who knows what. The coercion Salim uses on the girl, combined with the family betrayal, makes for one of the most powerful parts of the movie. One by one, the film deftly recounts the explanation for Jamal’s success: luck or, as they put it, destiny. The ending of the film begins with Jamal validated by the police and ready to take on the last question of the game show. I won’t tell what happens, but the conclusion wasn’t entirely satisfying. Nevertheless, “Slumdog Millionaire” is a poignant narrative that manages to convey real meaning while remaining fun. It’s a substance missing from most blockbuster movies now. Even if that weren’t the case, “Slumdog Millionaire” would be a highly enjoyable film that is accessible to all. But enough of the promotion trailer, go see it for yourself.