Movie Review: Les Miserables (2012 Film)

I am SOOOOO LAZY!
What a great way to start a new year, right?
And to show how lazy I am, I won't bother to do a new greeting post. I'll just use the one my company use.

Ehehehe~~~ So, anyway, thanks to Nuffnang (as usual) I get to watch this movie Les Miserables . The reason why I don't write that much movie review is because 1) I might not find anything worthwhile to talk about or 2) I will have too much to write about it. And too many words warrant photos, and I'm lazy to search for it. When I'm lazy, it took me two to three weeks to write a simple post. I'm hopeless.

Anyway, Here goes!

Rated: Unrated
Malaysia Release Date: 25 December 2012
Genre: Musical drama
Running Time: 160 minutes
Director: Tom Hooper
Cast: Anne Hathaway, Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Amanda Seyfried, Sacha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter

Synopsis: "An adaptation of the successful stage musical based on Victor Hugo's classic novel set in 19th-century France, in which a paroled prisoner named Jean Valjean seeks redemption" (UIP).

Verdict:
I would say it's a mix of both good and bad. It's a long show that felt very rushed yet with astounding casts who played their part excellently. Should you watch this? Yeah, sure, if you like this kind of genre. It's rather nice - mainly because the musical is already so awesome, and there are a lot of aspects where it is enjoyable. But don't expect too much. This long movie is actually rather short to capture the essence of Les Misarables fully. A lot of things that can be improved. The visual is stunning, but somehow the content is lacking here and there. And at times a bit too rushing which leaves us dumbstruck. The emotions flies by so fast you hardly have time to digest. Yet it is so draggy that you wish they will quicken the pace. That doesn't make sense? Well, you go and watch it. and let me know if it make sense or not. lol.

-Alert : May Contain Spoilers -

When I saw the line-up of the cast, I was actually wondering can these renown actors/actress sing? I mean, it's still a musical after all. I was pleasantly surprised that the singing was actually good. Of course, it couldn't compare with the Broadway casts, but they hold on their own pretty well. But what I liked the most was the raw emotion that is portrayed by the cast.

Let me start with my favorite cast in the movie. Daniel Huttlestone played Gavroche - the spirited young kid who exudes leadership, strength and bravery. I don't think they could've casted a better person to play this character. I couldn't get his acting off my mind days after I watched the show, although it was rather easy to forget the rest.

This kid is awesome!. Source

I would say they have a good casting for children casts. The kid who played the young Cosette, Isabelle Allen was also very good in portraying the feelings. (Isabelle is the one on the poster for the movie)

Isabelle - don't u think she looks a bit like the young Dakota?

Heck, she's better than the adult Cosette (Amanda Seyfried) who moved nothing inside of me. But Amanda does look pretty in the movie and that's about it. The movie did not give the grown Cossette enough space to show her character. So, I can't say much on her acting either. The character Cosette, is much to meek and weak for my like. 

I think most who watched the show loved Anne Hathaway's rendition of I dreamed a dream the most. She totally embodies the song. After she finish singing it, I actually felt like giving her a standing ovation. I bet, if the movie was not as rushed as it is, there will be a moment of pin-drop-silence right after the song - a - testament that she took the audience in awe. I didn't expect her to be as awesome as she was. She's usually the hot bod, pretty face, sex symbol in other movies she stars. This one is just "wow". A different depth than what she usually does and she does it very well. It is worth to note that the whole scene of the song I dreamed a dream was recorded one-shot.

Amazing Acting by Anne Hathaway as Fantine

I especially applaud Hugh Jackman for portraying the highly emotional and complicated emotions of Jean Valjean. He made me shed a couple of tears. I think he nailed the character pretty well for the most part of the story. The earlier part and the end part of Jean Valjean's story was played out beautifully by him. It outshone the rest of the cast during the first part when he was still a convict. The only part that felt lacking was his rendition of "Bring Him Home". It's not bad at all, but it's not there yet for me. His version lack the "holiness" feel that is usually felt when I hear the song.

I forgot that he was Hugh during the first part. 

I was quite disappointed with how the movie portrays Eponine (played by Samantha Barks). After seeing her performance for the 25th anniversary of Les Miserables, I was quite surprised to see her role with little impact. The movie had casted aside Eponine character with little depth, when in actuality her character is the symbol of strength and loyalty in the story. But as always, Samantha's rendition of "On My Own" is heavenly, and did not disappoint.

I think she's so lovely. 

Another remarkable singer that should be noted is Eddie Redmayne who played "Marius". Although I despise the character (Marius) I was still able to note that this guy is the best singer among all the male lead (in my opinion).

Why I hate Marius? He's a freaking self-centered rich boy, who has little notion of loyalty! At least that's how it is depicted in the movie to me. I don't know if others agree with me, but the Marius character irritates me. I mean, just imagine, your good friend, who had always been there for you, was shot in front of you, shot because of you, died in your arms, saying all she wanted was for you to be there by her side and everything will be fine, she who is dying, is comforting you... logically, you would only be able to think about her and be devastated about her death but yet this freaking guy, was devastated because the love of his life, whom he scarcely know, whom he just known a day or two is going off somewhere and he might not see her again. He wanted to die because of that? I mean seriously? He was actually prepared to throw away his fight with his comrades to go to the girl, okay I get it, it's love, but WTF? The only reason he said "My place belongs here" and goes to fight was because the girl went away. I HATE this kind of character the most.

But despite the hate I feel for the character, I loved the way Eddie played Marius. And because it's true, I'm gonna repeat it again, he's a real good singer!.

A touching scene. It's a Love-Hate relationship for me and this scene. 

Russell Crowe's interpretation of Inspector Javert is to me is very weak. He was not able to capture the rigidnes, the angst, the conventionality, the charismatic leader in Javert. I don't see the aura of Javert in him at all. To me, he just look like an angry old man rather than self-righteous officer. His singing was the worst. Well, it sounded nice, But there was no real strength in it. I guess, it's ok since he's not a singer but, I could find no excuse for his acting. Javert is a strong character, the antagonist of the story, so without a strong him, the story just became a tad bit bland.

The angry and confused old man. 

As for Sacha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter as the Thénardiers no complaints there. They were excellent. I love their scene immensely. You just can't help to love to hate them! hehe

-Spoiler Ends (if Any)- 

I think some of the casting actually saves the movie, and some actually contribute to it being bland. Nevertheless, I find I am able to enjoy the movie - especially when you can appreciate the beautiful music by Claude-Michel Schönberg. I just love the songs in this musical. Hey, what not to like?

That's it,
The laziest brat on the planet (right now)

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