Les Misérables
I first saw the musical on Broadway in 1999, and was totally blown away. Have been a rabid fan ever since. Bought the original Broadway cast recording (not the cast I saw, sadly, because their Eponine was much better than the one on the CD), got the book on the musical, read the novel, have followed any and all news articles about it.
I was very, very interested when I first read about them making a movie based on the musical. At once anticipative and apprehensive, I sincerely hoped they didn't mess it up (Hollywood does have a tendency to make a sow's ear out of a silk purse when it comes to Broadway, after all).
Finally had the chance to see it this afternoon, and am very happy with it.
There were a few changes made from the musical; lyrics snipped here and there, bits added. Most of the changes made it fit better with the book, like having Gavroche deliver Marius' letter to Cosette. (I also liked the elephant statue). I am very glad they didn't whitewash, mock or cut out the religious parts; the theme of forgiveness and redemption is absolutely central to the story.
Hugh Jackman's singing voice was higher than I expected, though still a good performance. Russell Crowe's singing is very weak for the part; it really should be sung by a near-operatic baritone or bass. "Can carry a tune" isn't good enough. I was very pleased with Colm Wilkinson's Bishop; he was really a beacon of goodness.
Anne Hathaway's performance was just beautiful and heartbreaking. I heard more than a few sobs in the audience during her scenes. Samantha Barks' Eponine was likewise very well-done and sympathetic. The children were also very well cast. They even expanded Young Eponine's role a bit, showed how the Thenardiers were more or less raising her to be as crooked as they are (poor kid never had a chance, did she?)
I was doubtful of the Thenardiers' casting, but they did a fantastic job. The scene where they pretend to love Cosette and she's not buying it was a particularly good one.
I will definitely be seeing this one again, and buying the DVD.
I was very, very interested when I first read about them making a movie based on the musical. At once anticipative and apprehensive, I sincerely hoped they didn't mess it up (Hollywood does have a tendency to make a sow's ear out of a silk purse when it comes to Broadway, after all).
Finally had the chance to see it this afternoon, and am very happy with it.
There were a few changes made from the musical; lyrics snipped here and there, bits added. Most of the changes made it fit better with the book, like having Gavroche deliver Marius' letter to Cosette. (I also liked the elephant statue). I am very glad they didn't whitewash, mock or cut out the religious parts; the theme of forgiveness and redemption is absolutely central to the story.
Hugh Jackman's singing voice was higher than I expected, though still a good performance. Russell Crowe's singing is very weak for the part; it really should be sung by a near-operatic baritone or bass. "Can carry a tune" isn't good enough. I was very pleased with Colm Wilkinson's Bishop; he was really a beacon of goodness.
Anne Hathaway's performance was just beautiful and heartbreaking. I heard more than a few sobs in the audience during her scenes. Samantha Barks' Eponine was likewise very well-done and sympathetic. The children were also very well cast. They even expanded Young Eponine's role a bit, showed how the Thenardiers were more or less raising her to be as crooked as they are (poor kid never had a chance, did she?)
I was doubtful of the Thenardiers' casting, but they did a fantastic job. The scene where they pretend to love Cosette and she's not buying it was a particularly good one.
I will definitely be seeing this one again, and buying the DVD.