Review of Les Misérables (2012) by Mloy X — 19 Sep 2013

Bishop (Colm Wilkinson):

But remember this, my brother. See in this some higher plan.

You must use this precious silver to become an honest man.

By the witness of the martyrs, by the passion and the blood,.

God has brought you out of darkness.

I have bought your soul for God.

The best part of this film was seeing Colm Wilkinson's cameo, it made me so giddy as a school girl. First of all, I hate to admit it but this film could have been better executed. All the songs sounded rushed and the plot seemed hurried. Also, even though the cast were all credible singers (I was especially surprised with Russell Crowe-- I have to admit, the man CAN sing), the most impressive performance was from the supporting cast: Amanda Seyfried, Eddie Redmayne and Samantha Barks, their rendition of In My Life/A Heart Full of Love Lyrics was perfect and very reminiscent of the best Broadway performances. All the supporting cast: the student, the lovely ladies and even Daniel Huttlestone (who plays little Gavroche) were brilliant. Now, the bad news: Anne Hathaway's "I Dream A Dream" scene was good but I felt fell short of Oscar-worthy; Ruthie Henshall was a better Fantaine and gave a more heartfelt performance of the song. I love Helena Bonham-Carter in practically every film she does and absolutely adored her as Mrs. Lovett in Sweeney Todd; I also liked Sacha Baron Cohen in Sweeney Todd but I was a bit disappointed in their performance in Les Miserable, it just felt like they phoned in their performances. A valiant effort was given by Russell Crowe but his part could have been given to an actor with better vocal chops. But the most disappointing part of this film for me was actually Hugh Jackman as Jean Valjean. He has a good singing voice, most of the time. But during the chapel scence his singing became a little bit forced and nasally, it was distracting. I would have preferred to have seen Alfie Boe in the role, he has a superbly amazing voice. Overall, in an effort to make the film appeal to the masses, it sacrificed amazing vocal performers in favor for more popular, household names which unfortunately made a more commonly awesome Broadway show into a mediocre Hollywood blah-fest.