Review of Les Misérables (2012) by Isaac J — 09 Aug 2016

Having run in the West End for decades and as one of the most renowned musicals in history, 2012 saw Tom Hooper adapt Cameron Mackintosh's historical extravaganza on the big screen. An all-star cast headed by Hugh Jackman star in this film.

.. which, despite brilliant source material falls rather flat. It is visually pleasing, wonderfully dramatic and accompanied by a beautiful score; the only thing missing is the most important thing... the singing! In an entirely sung musical, Les Miserables fails to cast actors with competent vocal ability.

Instead, the film seeks to boast its A-List names, rather than casting unknown theatre actors... who can actually sing the material at its best! With the correct actors, this film would surely be a masterpiece.

It has beautiful visual effects, a classic and monumental story and wonderful music... but a disappointing cast brings this film to lower levels. Les Miserables ultimately fails to live up to the renowned West End musical and settles to be a mediocre and forgettable film.