Les Miz - The Film

OK, this is admittedly a bit behind the times - we watched the (recent) remake of Les Miserables on a movie channel last night - one of our favourite musicals - with some degree of apprehension.

It was not necessary to be worried after all - the Hugh Jackman, Anne Hathaway Hollywood version was (to our minds at least) well treated overall. I wasn't even disappointed by Russell Crowe, who took some grief when this was out in the theatres. I thought he didn't do too bad a job.

I would even go so far as to say this might be a keeper - we will likely pick up the DVD when it plummets in price at the stores...

What I really liked over and above all was the use of original Jean Valjean Colm Wilkinson in a supporting role, which I felt was a pretty classy act. So many of these Hollywood remakes ignore the stars that brought these characters to life to such a degree that a film version is even a consideration. It was a treat to see him early on, and at the end of the movie. Still a powerhouse, as a matter of fact...

Despite several songs in this enduring classic being the show-stoppers, both the live version and this film did my personal favourite proud - "Empty Chairs At Empty Tables". More powerful than even the emotional hits associated with the play.

That's my feeling, anyway...

Later!