Les Miz Maximus Decimus Meridius: A Movie Review

On Christmas Day, the 5th day of a fabulous 35-year wedding anniversary trip on the island of Kaua'i, Kar, Ari (my daughter Ari tagged along) and I set out to catch the Grand Opening of the much anticipated film, Les Miserables.

Soon to be extinct theater

King of the Road, Monsieur Rooster

 We were greeted in the movie theater parking lot by the island's King of the Road, Monsieur Rooster. If you have ever been to Kaua'i, you know that chickens are on the loose everywhere. Why? That is a story for another blog post. The outdated 3-screen dump seen above will soon be extinct, since a brand new multi-plex is set to open soon, nearby. No amphitheater seating at this place. I waited in the concession line for 20 minutes, but was able to score some black chocolate Raisinettes along with the requisite popcorn. This was a good omen for wonderful movie experience.  I barely made it to my seat before the movie started. You see, since the movie was sold out, they started it 20 minutes early! Once seated in this theater from yesteryear, we were pleased to find ourselves in very comfy rocking chairs with cup holders, albeit the floor was a little sticky. Certainly, NOT the Arch Theater (Spanish Fork, UT), nor the Arclight (Pasadena, CA)! As the movie began, we were transported across time and space to the French Revolution and witnesses to the incredible journey and transformation of Jean Valjean. Unless you were born and raised on the island of Niuatoputapu or lived your life in a cave, you are familiar with Victor Hugo's Les Miserables. You've probably even seen the play. Therefore, no need to get any deeper into the plot or story for this review. This film was shot with the characters singing live, as opposed to recording the vocals in a studio and being dubbed in later. The effect gives the characters more emotion and enhances the story telling. I preferred this style, with one exception. Here is my expert critique as a frequent movie go-er:
Helena Bonham-Carter (Madame Thenardier) & Sacha Baron Cohen (Thenardier): Very funny, well done. Provided the comedy relief to a very sad story.
Samantha Barks (Eponine): Fantastic vocals incredible performance! Some of the best vocals of any cast member.
Eddie Redmayne  (Marius Pontmercy): Tremendous vocals played very tenderly. Instantly likable.
Amanda Seyfried (Cosette): Strong soprano, an emotional, and understated performance. Great harmony with other actors. Lovingly vulnerable. However, I thought the role of Cosette was a little too big for Seyfried.
Anne Hathaway (Fantine): Hathaway delivers an incredible acting performance. You could feel her anguish deep to the bone. Unfortunately, in my opinion(with which Ari does not agree), this emotionally laden depiction detracted from her vocal performance. The film's signature tune, "I Dreamed a Dream" suffered as a result. However, it still brought tears to my eyes.

Russell Crowe as Inspector Javert

Russell Crowe (Inspector Javert): Is there anything this guy can't do?! Maximus' Gladiator absolutely killed this role and took it where it has never been before. Crowe just has that "it" factor. As you observe Javert's constant inner struggle, you somehow love him and hate him at the same time. Crowe is truly is the Master and Commander of this film!!

Hugh Jackman as Jean Valjean

Hugh Jackman (Jean Valjean): Much like the evolution and gradual perfection of Valjean's life, so too was with Jackman's performance. This X-Man took on the role of a lifetime and did not disappoint. This is one incredibly talented dude!
Here are my Top 10 Les Mis 2012 highlights ( in reverse order), (I had a "Top 8" but I thought that would be weird so I added two more):
10. "Look Down" Great opening scene! Valjean displays super-human strength as Javert looks on..Jackman and Crowe are totally awesome!
9. "The Confrontation" Valjean and Javert, the immovable object and the irrestisitable force. Jackman and Crowe are perfect rivals.
8. "I Dreamed a Dream" As eluded to earlier, Hathaway's vocals were not in peak form. Nevertheless, a very touching scene.
7. "Javert's Suicide" Crowe ends Javert's guilt with style, realizing guilt might be something less black and white, but unable to live in a world with an innocent Valjean.
6. "One More Day" Main cast. Delightful!
5. "Valjean's Death" Valjean, Cossette, Marius, Fantine, Eponine. Touching; incredible vocals.
4. "Empty Chairs and Empty Tables" Always one of my favorite Les Mis tunes. My friends, Redmayne's Marius delivers an incredible rendition.
3. "On My Own" Newcomer, Samantha Bark's Eponine breaks your heart into pieces with an amazing effort in a heavy drizzle. Samantha puts herself on the map with this role.
2. "Bring Him Home" Jackman's Valjean reaches his perfomance pinnacle with this mind blowing vocal extraordinaire! Start etching his name on the Best Actor Oscar statuette right now!!
1. "Stars" Crowe's Javert is all alone atop the city bathed in soft starlight as he convinces himself that he is right and God is on his side. Incredibly done, definitely the cinematic highlight of Les Miserables. Russell Crowe does it again. He will join Hugh Jackman on the stage to pick up the Best Supporting Actor Oscar. The righteous will certainly have his reward!!
As you applaud at the end of the film, I have only one question for you;
quoting the immortal Maximus Decimus Meridius:
 "Are you not entertained?!!!!!!!!

Disclaimer: I do not pretend to posses any expertise when it comes to reviewing plays and musicals. My only experience was being in the chorus of Spanish Fork High's 1974 production of The Mikado. Our top priority was perfecting our Fu Manchu make up. I never learned any of the songs. But we had a blast. Gary Marks, where are you?
Final Note:

I have made a necessary adjustment to my Top 20 movies of all time; Les Mis (2012) is now at #19, right behind The Count of Monte Cristo (2002). This pushes Heaven Can Wait to #20 and knocks War Horse out of the Top 20.
Note after the Final Note: I saw the movie again tonight (1/2/13) and realized that I was way too harsh on Anne Hathaway's performance of "I Dreamed a Dream" in my initial review. After seeing that again, I would move that scene up to #5 on my Top 10 list of movie highlights. Nice job, Anne! Also, Russell Crowe was even better the second time around!
And finally: While you were enjoying your Christmas, this is what we woke up to on our Christmas morning:

Sunrise from the Grand Hyatt Kaua'i in Koloa, HI