IF YOU haven’t yet seen Slumdog Millionaire do so immediately.

Not just because it’s a brilliantly entertaining film but to compare the difference with big budget films produced by the major American studios.

Slumdog ticks none of the boxes currently required for a US blockbuster. There’s no special effects, no Hollywood movie stars, no stunning locations and no stunts, just a great screenplay, wonderfully written by Simon Beaufoy of Full Monty fame, great acting, romance, subtle comedy and real drama.

Directed by Lancashire born Danny Boyle it tells the story of a young boy (Dev Patel) from the slums of Mumbai and his journey to become a millionaire.

Produced by Channel Four, this is 100 per cent British financed film demonstrating what can be achieved on a limited budget (US$13m) by truly talented filmmakers (US blockbusters cost ten times more and rarely deliver eight Oscars).

Until its critical acclaim at the Toronto Film Festival Slumdog Millionaire was destined to go straight to DVD.

That stay of execution won it national release in the UK on January 9 and in US theatres on January 22.

The rest, as they say, is history. Enjoy.

The views on this page are Vic Barlow's and not necessarily those of the Express