A two-and-a-half-hour opera set during the French Revolution may not strike everyone as a great movie, but those naysayers are fools. Les Misérables is easily one of the best movies of the year.
For those who are unacquainted with the story, Jean Valjean (Hugh Jackman) is a man who breaks his parole and is given a second chance by a benevolent priest. He then devotes his life to striving to be worthy enough to receive this shot at redemption. Inspector Javert (Russell Crowe) is the stone-hearted official who pursues Valjean in a quest for justice.
The performances in Les Misérables are amazing. If Anne Hathaway does not win an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, I will be surprised. Her performance was so good that one may be willing to forgive her for that terrible movie she was in earlier this year. Sacha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter play the Thenardiers in possibly the best roles of their careers. In the shows I have seen these characters serve as the comic relief, but this time around they came off as more sinister to great success. Their rendition of “Master of the House” takes a fresh approach; by involving their daughter Eponine, the focus of the song shifts to them teaching her the ins and outs of running a shady business. The only weak point was Russell Crowe, who just did not have the vocal range needed for role of Javert.
If you are looking for a great movie this holiday season, then look no further than Les Misérables. The dazzling music and stunning performances will leave you wanting to watch it again.