Les Miserables

Les Miserables

Rated PG-13 and Released 12/25/12

Reviewed 12/30/12 AMC Metreon in San Fransisco, CA

with Gary

4 out of 5 Js in QUIET Rating System

Much anticipated Les Miserables is all of the wonderful music you hear in the broadway musical. Hugh Jackman sings his way through the part of Jean Valjean better than anyone I imagine playing the role. It would be a shock if the deserving Jackman doesn't win an Oscar for Best Actor. Although I always say anything over two hours is too long for me (it rang in at 158 minutes), Gary said he wasn't sure what they could have cut out of it without losing some of the story and I agree.

It's nineteenth century France, 25 some years past the beginning of the French Revolution. Jean Valjean is thrown into prison for 18 years (five for stealing bread for his sister's starving family, plus added time for trying to escape). That sure isn't the France of today - ha ha! The jailer and prison guard Javert is well cast with Russell Crowe, although his singing was probably the least impressive but still good. Jean is finally released as a parolee after time served, but not checking in for his probation is the cause for Javert (now promoted to inspector) to tirelessly pursue him over the years to come. Jean becomes a successful businessman in spite of the harsh prison life that has made him into a compassionate soul to those he encounters. He crosses paths with Anne Hathaway's character Fantine, and through circumstances he needs to take on her child Cosette (Amanda Seyfried). Jean steals her away from two very seedy characters played by Sacha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter. These two added some appreciated humor and excitement to the scenes.

Needing to constantly look over his shoulder, Jean leads to a life on the run with Cosette in tow. He seemingly does a good job raising her in spite of this. A now much older Cosette has a brief meeting with a frenchman and it's love at first sight and they have designs on being together. Jean has some near misses facing Javert, but it all comes full circle when Jean has an opportunity for revenge to the wrongdoer or allow the opportunity to escape him. Either way it could be costly. This is a story of redemption and forgiveness and sometimes knowing you may not be rewarded for doing the right thing. I have seen this on stage and enjoyed it, but I can't help but feel I am seeing a new vivid dimension to this story for the first time. Even though Les Mis was exceedingly long, this was the best musical that was put on screen by far.

QUIET Rating system:

Quality: JJJJJ

Understood story:  JJJJ

Interest: JJJJ

Entertainment:  JJJJ

Time:  JJj