I didn’t want to like this film. I went to the cinema being 100% prejudiced that it would not measure up to the French series of the same name. I hate to admit that I was wrong but I really was. It was a delightful evening and the performances of Anne Hathaway and Hugh Jackman were more than impressing. Anne Hathaway happens to be one of my favourite actresses and I went to see the film just to see her sing “I Dreamed a Dream”. And I have to say – even if I saw just this one episode, it would be worth it still. Simply breathtaking.
The overall extremely good impression was slightly ruined by Cosette (Amanda Seyfried) and Javert (Russell Crowe). Both of them, in my view, were nowhere near Virginie Ledoyen and John Malkovich who played in the French version. Ok, I do understand that the role of Cosette is an ungrateful one – she is just not an interesting character and doesn’t have much say in the course of the film. Still, I somehow expected more than just sweet smiles and love songs. As for Javert, well, Russell Crowe was very disappointing. He reminded me of Kristen Stewart in “Twighlight”. Scene 1, the same face expression. Scene 2, the same face expression. Scene 3… you get it. John Malkovich was so much more convincing – he could make you shiver with just one stare, with just a gesture, with his pose.
But let’s forget about the bad and concentrate on the good – I can’t wait to get my hands on all the songs from the musical. I especially liked “Do You Hear the People Sing”, “In My Life”, “One Day More”, “Empty Chairs At Empty Tables” and “On My Own”. And I cried like a baby at the end of the film. If you are planning to go, take a handkerchief.
I watched this film recently and I totally loved it. I didn’t think I would. I had seen the stage show years ago and enjoyed the music but found it way too long to sit through so didn’t hold up much hope. But I totally loved it.
I was really surprised by the acting / singing of the lead actors who I didn’t think would make this work. But oh my Anne Hathaway and Russell Crowe were amazing.
I would highly recommend this film to anyone.
Hahah I loved your start. :D “I didn’t want to love the film”, me neither. But I might go watch it now..
Adam Lambert was very critical of the singing abilities of the cast..were some better than others??
If you go, I do hope you like it :)
Russel Crowe was frankly no good. But the rest did a fairly good job. Mind you, I’m not a music pro :)