So it’s official: The film that’s going to annoy me this awards season is “Slumdog Millionaire.”

No, it’s not that I didn’t like Danny Boyle’s tale. I did, in fact. I just didn’t like it as much as so many others apparently have.

“Slumdog Millionaire” is the story of a poor young Indian man (Dev Patel) who goes on his country’s version of “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” for no other reason than to acquire the means to reunite himself with his childhood love (the beautiful Freida Pinto).

It’s a charming little movie that’s clever in spots and engaging throughout. That’s all it is.

But the Hollywood Foreign Press Association Sunday night gave it the Golden Globe for the best film drama.

Ug. Wrong.

OK, 2008 was a weak year for movies, maybe even a very weak year. But I’ve seen at least three movies more deserving: “Milk,” “The Dark Knight” and “Frost/Nixon.” The latter two are the best films I’ve seen so far – I haven’t made it to a few acclaimed 2008 movies that have only recently made it to Northeast Ohio, to say nothing of those not yet here.

The Golden Globes have been known to influence Oscar voters, so, assuming “Slumdog” gets a nomination for best picture (votes for nods had to be in prior to the Globes), look for it to get serious consideration. I just don’t see it.

Nor do I see what so many find enthralling about “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.” Another movie that’s good, not great.

“Milk” and “The Dark Knight” weren’t even nominated for best drama at the Globes. Sure, a comic movie – even the best one ever made – is a tough sell, but a great biopic?

Meh!

Hopefully I won’t be so disappointed when the Oscar nods are announced in a few weeks.


- Mark Meszoros