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Underdog Slumdog wins big

DAVID GERMAIN

The Associated Press

Latest comment posted at 7:13 AM EDT 12/01/09

Danny Boyle film takes best drama at Golden Globes while supporting-actor prize awarded posthumously to Heath Ledger ...Read the full article

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  1. Lance M from Canada writes: Words fail at describing how well Heath did bringing an epic character of pop culture to life on the big screen. His character was as disturbing as the psychotic psychopath he portrayed and he admitted how disturbing the character was to him. It was disturbing to all of us too. It is unfortunate that this young man and fine actor was cut down so early in his career we were only beginning to see the depth and range he could bring to his craft.
  2. Kevin Isicovit from Edmonton, Canada writes: Yes, Heath Ledger was easily the best part of Dark Knight, and may have been the best actor this year, which I would probably not qualify, but I haven't seen everything. That he was only improving as an actor is true. God, he was good. I'm genuinely sad that he's gone.

    Slumdog was good, but, frankly, it wasn't spectacular. At best, I'd give it 4/5, and that's being generous, only because it tackled some difficult-to-depict realities of life for some Untouchables in India, realizing them in ways that make such themes palatable (ie: brief) for the majority of audiences. For that, I applaud the filmmakers, because people need to see that side of life. Otherwise, the movie was fairly conventional, even cliched. Still, if the movie provokes people to change their views of the world we live in, and not just rave to their friends about a feelgood flick, then my hat is off to them.
  3. baldev sood from toronto, Canada writes: A great movie worth seeing and deserves it.
  4. Jimmy K from Toronto, Canada writes: Slumdog was a great movie. One of the best this year.

    It's a shame that so few will see it.
  5. Rainbow Warrior from Canada writes: RIP Ledger.

    You had come a long way since playing that guy in '10 things i hate about you'.
  6. Rain Couver from Canada writes: This was a far superior award show than last week's People's Choice. Categories that made sense helped keep the night rolling.
  7. R L from Canada writes: Slumdog is a terrible movie, incredibly over-stylized and cliched to the point of inducing vomit. The style, plot, and presentation of the movie was pure Hollywood trash. The camera flashed to a different angle every 5 seconds on average, and the plot was not even remotely believable, with enough holes to drain an ocean. This is the kind of movie that requires absolutely no thought whatsoever, without even a hint of subtlety. I don't know if Slumdog was actually a Hollywood production, but if not, it most definitely replicated the mindless modern over-stylized Hollywood down to a tee, and may just be the most overrated movie of the year. Hitchcock or Kubrick, this is not. I'll be sure to avoid anything directed by Boyle in the future.
  8. Graham Magus from Toronto, Canada writes: Actually, the film is very entertaining. It is not meant to be believable or to have a lame plot twist or tragedy waiting to happen - its a movie that entertains you and makes you feel good. It was one of the only films I've watched in a theatre in the last 5 years and not felt ripped off.
    It's a yarn, a fantasy and people like it.....sorry if that makes bitter critics and cynical pricks unhappy.
  9. Lawrence Hutchinson from Houston, United States writes: Kevin Isicovit from Edmonton, Canada writes: if the movie provokes people to change their views of the world we live in, and not just rave to their friends about a feelgood flick, then my hat is off to them.

    A pretty tall order for a couple of hours of passive entertainment.
  10. Karen Morris from Toronto, Canada writes: Slumdog, from the promotions I've seen of it, seems like a very sweet reinterpretation of the film made some years ago 'White Men Can't Jump,' in which a young girl from Queens studies constantly for the 'Jeopardy' program to pull herself and her never do well husband out of their going-nowhere situation. Very sweet.
  11. Unicorn Lawyer from Canada writes: Hard to believe Ledger won. It was not a great performance and the movie was too long by about an hour. But a bandwagon is a bandwagon and no one does bandwagon like Hollywood.
  12. Jeff Warden from Edinburgh, United Kingdom writes: I have to agree with Graham...I had no great expectations going into the film...only knowing that it had to do with an Indian boy and Who Wants to Be A Millionaire. I came out of the cinema feeling remarkably uplifted, despite the grim surroundings and experiences that 'Jamal' finds himself in. It was certainly a feel-good film and there's nothing wrong with that. It ain't Kubrick but I don't think it was ever trying to be. And anyways, just how believeable are all of his and Hitchcock's films anyways?! :)
  13. A A from Canada writes: In seeing both slum dog and batman I can honestly say both Heath and SDM deserved the awards.

    Sadly, there can only be one winner. I am sure the wrestler, rev road, gt, etc.... are great films. Comparing all these films is like comparing a ferrari to a lamborghini or trying to pick your favourite child.

    Hopefully the naysayers saying this was all political will be minimal because at the end of the day these were well deserved.
  14. Canuck with Questions from Canada writes: Slum Dog is not a bad movie. It got some big holes such as how he got on the show. There are 1.2 billion people who wants to get on that show.

    A.R. Rahman sold over 300 million albums so far. His fellow Tamil mucision M.I.A got 3 of her songs on this movie!

    oh for those Tamil haters, M.I.A is the daughter of a Tamil Tiger!!! LOL!
  15. Anne of Green Gables from Toronto, Canada writes: Mac GLC, too bad you don't know how to use an apostrophe.
  16. old gristle from Canada writes: Heath Ledger was indeed the best joker ever. We shall remember for his great role.
    Slumdog is an incredible film, even more so since the actors aren't household names in the west. It does provoke a lot of though and discussion. It is hard in many ways and hard to pigeonhole. All the globes it won, it won on merit. Sometimes writers and judges feel they have to give someone something. Not so in this case.
    I thought the atmosphere was a bit nervous at the Globes. Some jokes that were poorly delivered and even more poorly received. Were was the tension from?
  17. A A from Canada writes: Canuck with questions.....there was a scene where Jamal is explaining to the guys at xcel5 when you are suppose to call in. Ok he does not explain how he knew that info but who cares......it's called fiction.

    You want all the details, go read the book.
  18. Auroran Bear from Montreal, Canada writes: Slumdog is an uplifting movie. If you can't appreciate that, I feel bad for you.

    Way to go Mickey Rourke!!!!
  19. Notapseudointellectual . from Canada writes: I loved Slumdog Millionaire and was thrilled to see it win 4 awards last night. There will always be critics and people who think some other movie should have won. Meh!
  20. D B from Ottawa, Canada writes: All this discussion assumes the soiree is in fact a worthy event. It's a Hollywood love-in and PR campaign vehicle. How does the opinion of 90 reporters become the second-most important prize in the industry?

    Having said that it's good to see Ledger get recognized. The film was made more powerful by his death, to which his work in the role may have contributed.
  21. Anne of Green Gables from Toronto, Canada writes: old gristle, I think it was just that everyone was drunk and not paying attention. The GGs are famous for their open bar.
  22. Bessa Rabia from Canada writes: Heath Ledger was good not great. It was hardly a riveting or memorable performance. The movie itself is about an hour too long and cliche riven
  23. William Muller from Vancouver, Canada writes: Wonder how much Moet (Chandon) paid for this 3 hour commercial seen by probably a billion worldwide? Noticed how in every shot every bottle on every table was strategically placed with the label towards the camera?
  24. May Loo from Calgary, Canada writes: I've heard good things about the series 30 Rock but, does anyone actually watch it?
  25. Seymore Butts from Canada writes: Slumdog Millionaire?? did anyone else see this brutal movie?? 30 rock the top tv sitcom!?!? are you kidding me...this just goes to show you why the golden globes are a huge joke, and no one knows what the hell they even are...
  26. Stephen Dedalus from Canada writes: This could Winslet's year at the Oscars. If there's no clear-cut favourite in the best actress category, everyone may decide that it's her turn. I wouldn't begrudge her an Oscar, though I do begrudge her husband for being married to her.
  27. Valkyrie 23 from Guelph, Canada writes: Bessa Rabia from Canada writes: "Heath Ledger was good not great. It was hardly a riveting or memorable performance. The movie itself is about an hour too long and cliche riven"

    ---
    How was Heath's performance not memorable? He was able to convincingly play a sociopathic anarchist very effectively. He managed to warp his (extrmemly) good looks into a face of pure insanity and never once throughout the movie did you see through the facade. I had to try to see Heath through all that Joker and could not.

    And yes, the movie may be "cliche riven," but, c'mon, it is Batman. Just because the movie is based off a comic book doesn't mean that it doesn't have potential to create characters of depth and passion, even if the plots of said movies lack a little in originality.
  28. Bessa Rabia from Canada writes: Valkyrie 23 from Guelph, Canada writes: Bessa Rabia from Canada writes: "Heath Ledger was good not great. It was hardly a riveting or memorable performance. The movie itself is about an hour too long and cliche riven"

    ---
    How was Heath's performance not memorable? He was able to convincingly play a sociopathic anarchist very effectively. He managed to warp his (extrmemly) good looks into a face of pure insanity and never once throughout the movie did you see through the facade. I had to try to see Heath through all that Joker and could not.

    And yes, the movie may be "cliche riven," but, c'mon, it is Batman. Just because the movie is based off a comic book doesn't mean that it doesn't have potential to create characters of depth and passion, even if the plots of said movies lack a little in originality.

    ____ I guess if you are an 18 year old male living at home then Heath gave you all the passion and depth you need

    no it was badly overdone and the acting was not great

    sorry
  29. Systemic Risk from Canada writes: I love the new sober, humble and slightly contrite Colin Farrell. I really enjoyed "In Bruges" and thought it got overlooked generally - I'm glad he won.
  30. Rain Couver from Canada writes: How about that Waltz with Bashir?

    Enter anti-Israel comment now . . .
  31. A A from Canada writes: Seymore Butts. Did you not like Slumdog and 30 Rock because they don't include fart jokes and slap stick?

    30 Rock - If you understand what goes on behind the scenes at SNL or understand GE you would get the show. It is brilliant but I guess it's not for everyone.

    Slum Dog: What was brutal about it? The fact that they let you in to watch it?
  32. The Habs from Toronto, Canada writes: Slumdog is a great movie. There are some difficult points in the movie...but its a movie...its not real...although you see more there than you would in any crap movie Kate Hudson is in.

    Heath Ledger was a good actor who's career is now viewed as great after he overdosed. Yes...I don't understand the term accidental overdose.

    30 Rock is funny...and the best parts of the show are Baldwin and Tracy Morgan....they are damn funny.

    Saw the Wrestler; Rourke does a good job....cannot understand how getting naked could help Tomei land a GG nomination...oh wait, that got Paltrow an Oscar...in another bad movie.
  33. Erbil Kücük from Germany writes: why do we give a fuzz about what these 90 or so people think about movies ? i watch these award shows to see the crying of that actresses ... kate winslet was phenomenal ... and the other woman cried well too ... what a performance ... and dying early doesn´t qualify for an award ... he is an overrated actor ...
  34. greg smith from Ottawa, Canada writes: Erbil Like your comment about B- actor Ledger. The movie Knights Tale and The Brothers Grimm in which he stared absolutely sucked!!!!!! What is it with people who do work then die. It must be an artists thing like Rembrant and the rest. He was alright as the joker. The script enable him the ability to be front and center. I got more entertainment out of good ol Jack as the joker myself! More wise cracking truer to the strip

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