Les Miz

Went the other day to see the movie musical version of "Les Miserables", or "Les Miz" as it's affectionately known.  For those unfamiliar with the story - and really, you've got to have been hiding under a rock to be unfamiliar with it - it's the story of a man named Jean Valjean. He's a Frenchman in the first half of the 19th Century who has been imprisoned for stealing a loaf of bread to feed his sister's family.  After nearly 20 years, he's released. Unable to find work or refuge, and just when he is caught stealing again, he is shown mercy by a Catholic priest. This changes him and he remakes himself, giving himself a new identity and occupation.  However, he is constantly on the run, hounded by a police inspector named Javert, who doesn't believe in mercy or repentance and would like nothing better than to throw him back in prison.  This all takes place against the backdrop of corruption, poverty, and misery that comes to a head when some rich youth try to lead the peasants in a revolt against the government of Napolean II.

If that description seems long, let me just say that's not even the half of it.  And the movie seems even longer.  I wish I could say that I loved it - I really wanted to.  I mean, they assembled a terrific cast - Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway, Helena Bonham Carter, and Sacha Baron Cohen, and had an Oscar-winning Director in Tom Hooper.  They even trot out Colm Wilkinson (the original Jean Valjean) as the priest.  So I went in with high expectations.  But alas, it is 3 hours of nothing but dirty filthy miserable people singing - and doing it off-key.  

The singing was all done live and not to a pre-recording, and not everyone could stay on key, which was a distraction for me.  And frankly I missed having some dialog.  Most of the acting was ok - I would give a shout out to Anne Hathaway (as Fantine), Eddie Redmayne (Marius) and Samantha Barks (Eponine)

If you've seen the stage musical (which I haven't), you'll likely love the movie.  I've heard stories of people sobbing through it, and huge rounds of applause at it's conclusion.  While I admit to a few tears at the end (I dare even the most hard-hearted not to have a few tinges of emotion), I was really just glad it was all over.

If you go: Take a cushion and be prepared to stay awhile. The film comes in at just under 3 hours. Also bring plenty of tissues.