Movie Review: Les Miserables (Les Mis)

Even if you don't know the story, you might know the music of Les Miserables. After years of development this worldwide phenomenon is finally coming to the big screen. With a cast full of big names such as Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, and Anne Hathaway, this Christmas release is already nominated for many awards.

Les Mis is a story about second chances, standing up for what you believe in, and the French Revolution. We begin with Jean Valjean (Hugh Jackman) being released from a 19 year prison sentence by Javert (Russel Crowe). The story then follows Valjean as he tries to restart his life.

Les Mis is completely sung with only one or two spoken lines. Unlike most musicals before it, Les Mis was filmed with the actors actually singing instead of pre-recording the music and lipsyncing during the filming. This technique both succeeded and failed. I think the fact that the actors were actually singing allowed more emotion to enter their words and facial expressions. Unfortunity some of the actors are not professional singers and you could hear it in their voices.

Anne Hathaway did a great job as Fantine and showed such emotion while singing I Dreamed a Dream. I thought the young Cosette was beautiful singing Castle on a Cloud. Just like when I saw the show on Broadway, I thought the funniest part was the inn keeper and his wife. For the film, these roles were brilliantly played by Sacha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter. If I was judging the music, I would say the best performances came from Eponine (Samantha Barks) and Marius (Eddie Redmayne).

In my opinion, the media has over hyped this film. I agree that it was enjoyable, but I didn't leave with the want to see the film again and again. I think these expectations were the films downfall. If you go in without expecting Les Mis to blow you away, you might enjoy it more.

Les Mis will be released nation wide on December 25, 2012. Check out my weekly post, Making Cents with Cori, on Cinemit for weekly specials on tickets and concessions.

Movie Rating for Les Mis

The passes for this pre-screening were won through Edge Philadelphia. Follow their Facebook page to attend free screenings near you. Check out my information post for more information about free movie screenings.