Review of Les Misérables (2012) by Kevin M. W — 16 Oct 2013

Well, certainly an epic undertaking, seemingly an attempt to kick opera back to life as nearly every line is sung, and that's what you need to know first: its all singing, oy. Its a gargantuan story who's bottomline's about looking on the bright side of life (Monty Python succinctly made the same point in about 3 minutes .

..) howbeit with very high production values, phenomenal sets and costumes, a full orchestra and a cast of thousands, all as a bread thief is hounded by some droll official - for his entire life. (What, was there no other crime going on in France at that time more worthy of attention? Or I underestimate the value of bread to the French? Maybe it was really good bread? "And tonite on the news .

.. the monstrous bread thief is still at large!") Anyway, shaky cam and CGI cannot make up for the underlying problem: nearly every line is sung. I was tired of the conceit early on and only wished for them to stop it, stop singing.

No one did. Jackman carries the sucker practically on his own and does surprisingly better than you think he will, while Crowe's presence is okay, and Hathaway does well with her short time onscreen.

Carter and Cohen yuck it up as the comic relief. Who are the rest of these people and what are they doing? They're singing.