Les Miserables (2012):

Starring:

Hugh Jackman - Jean Valjean

Russell Crowe - Javert

Anne Hathaway - Fantine

Amanda Seyfried - Cosette

Sacha Baron Cohen - Thénardier

Helena Bonham Carter - Madame Thénardier

Eddie Redmayne - Marius

Aaron Tveit - Enjolras

Samantha Banks - Éponine

Daniel Huttlestone - Gavroche

Colm Wilkinson - Bishop

Director:

Tom Hooper (The King's Speech; The Damned United)

Synopsis:

The motion-picture adaptation of the beloved global stage sensation seen by more than 60 million people in 42 countries and in 21 languages around the globe and still breaking box-office records everywhere in its 27th year. Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France,the film tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption - a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit. Ex-prisoner Jean Valjean is hunted for decades by the ruthless policeman Javert after he breaks parole. When Valjean agrees to care for factory worker Fantine's young daughter, Cosette, their lives change forever.  

Review:

This is the only musical that I actually enjoy. It's a movie that has a very specific demographic. If your not a fan of musicals that last 3 hours, then I guarantee you that you shouldn't go see this movie. HOWEVER, if that's what you're looking for in a movie, then this is perfect. I honestly absolutely love the story behind the singing. Nothing greater than a villain who is relentless & unwavering from his pursuit of the man who escaped him many years before. I can do without some of the love stories involved but I understand that it is a major part of the musical. This version of the film however did something that I personally found quite irritating, which was sure there are set songs throughout but in this version they sang everything. Every little line to get you from here to there was sang. Four words that lead to this scene here, all sang. Very odd, very distracting, very annoying. If you can get past that you run into the fact that only certain members of the cast can actually sing. Jack Hughman, sorry Hugh Jackman, wonderfully talented, probably my favourite actor currently, can really sing his ass off. Russell Crowe on the other hand was terrible, which was disappointing because Javert has my favourite song which he was average at. Anne Hathaway, one take, balling her eyes out, just stunning. Then you have the added comedic relief of Borat & Mrs. Tim Burton. Had some very good laughs from both of them which was a nice break from the sadness. Would not at all be surprised if this one pulls out the Best Picture at the Academy Awards, right out from under Argo & Lincoln's noses.

Budget: $61,000,000

Box Office (To Date): $284,825,000

Profit (To Date): $223,825,000

Rotten Tomatoes: 70%

Flixster: 83%

95%

Lead Acting: 15/15

Supporting Cast: 15/15

Plot: 9/10

Compared To The Genre: 10/10

Cinematography: 20/20

Intrigue: 18/20

Extra: 8/10