Way off the topic of animals, I was back at the theater the other night. Ken and I believed the hype and went to see Slumdog Millionaire.

Heading into movies like this I am always worried that the hype will have ruined the movie for me and that, going in expecting so much, I will be disappointed.

Thankfully I am slowly getting over the publicity machine and am able to give movies, albums, and TV shows a little more honest viewing.

So... I really enjoyed the movie. There were some really violent parts and the screen I saw it on cut off some of the subtitles which made it difficult at times but, overall, it's a good movie. Great? I don't know about that but, then again, my definition of great includes "Blazing Saddles", "Strange Brew", and, heck, something serious, something serious... oh, I really enjoyed "Eat, Drink, Man, Woman".

There was at least one thing that was predictable from the moment it showed up - at least to me - but whatever. You have to allow for this in any movie.

Having seen a few Indian films, I was happy that they saved the dance number for the closing credits. I did watch it and thought it was well done but thought it was well placed in the film.

What more? I don't want to say a lot to ruin it for those who haven't seen it but, overall, I recommend seeing it. You will have to read about 1/3 of it, I guess, but check it out if you have time.

What I like to say about films of this quality is that it is good. I didn't feel like I wasted 2 hours watching Arnold blow something up or Michael Bay tell, well, actually tell no story, just blow things up.

It's a well-told story. Is that hype? Maybe in these days of 90 minute commercials for action figures it is but I don't mean it to be.