I'm Backkkk--for a Movie Review: Les Miserables!

Well first off I want to say how great it is to be back from over a 2-year hiatus! I knew it was going to take a topic I was passionate about for me to return to writing on this blog. And after seeing the highly-anticipated movie of my favorite broadway show, Les Miserables, I thought it only made sense for me to use this platform to share my thoughts! (and writing it on a train just like old times!) 

 So let's discuss the movie (and play the trailer while you read this for added dramatic effect!). For those of you Les Miz fans like myself, you could probably sit in the theater seats with your eyes closed listening to one classic song after another and be completely happy. Unless it's sung by Russell Crowe, that is. His weak vocals were extremely distracting and makes me wonder: has Hollywood learned nothing from Gerard Butler in the film version of The Phantom of the Opera? If it's a singing role, cast people who can actually sing! The no-names casted in this film did just as good a job as any big-name ticket would have in their place. 

But one actress who we've learned through the years can actually hold a tune is that of Anne Hathaway (and who knew Amanda Seyfried could hit those high notes!). Hathaway, who plays Fantine, is being considered a shoe-in by some to win the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress (and hey, if I was forced to chop my hair off--right before my wedding no less--I'd want a trophy for it too). Her emotional rendition of "I Dreamed A Dream," rivals Jennifer Hudson's "And I'm Telling You" from Dreamgirls for their ability to completely captivate a movie audience on their own. One known for their singing. One know for their acting. Both dominated both in the end. 

There have been so many Broadway shows hitting the big screen in recent years that have been duds, but its hard to argue Les Miserables is one of them. Sure its a tad long, but so is any epic story. And with the music as strong as it is, you should at least be able to enjoy that aspect of the film, even if you're hearing these tunes for the first time. (really though? how have you not heard these songs before!). One can't miss moment in the film is the transition from the revolutionaries singing "Drink with Me" as they await their imminent death to Valjean's "Bring Him Home". Not gonna lie, I choked up! 

So for the musical lovers and those who are afraid to admit they are (I'm talking to you straight guys) this is a film that should leave you with chills and, if you have a soul at all, teary-eyed til the credits role.

But hey, 'Who Am I?' to judge. I'm just a fan 'On My Own' who 'Dreamed a Dream' this movie would be spectacular. And it was.