Mike Batie - Review of Les Misérables

Ah, the epic awaited by so many this year. I've read that beast of a novel, and so I feel like I get so much more out of the musical, having the backstory on many characters.

I think it's pretty well understood by most that this is a fantastic movie and there's a reason why the musical has been so successful—it's good. Here were my thoughts on the movie, as far as criticisms go, according to Mike Batie:

1) Russell Crowe was kind of disappointing as Javert. I felt like his singing dialogue parts were rather hard to listen to, they just didn't flow well. I do have to say however, I think he did really well on his solo in "Stars." That rather surprised me, based on the earlier singing in the movie that he did, so I have to give him props there, after some of what I thought was horrid singing dialogue, he was rather a delightful voice in "Stars."

2) Hugh Jackman did well as Jean Val Jean, but I also did kind of feel the same about Jackman as I did of Crowe in the singing dialogues; it was a little harsh on the ears. At a few points I wasn't sure Jackman knew if he were going to sing a line or speak a line and that's what it sounded like. Other than that I think he did well, he doesn't have a bad voice, but I also don't think it's a remarkably good voice either. I really liked the new musical number added to this film version performed by Jackman, "Suddenly." I felt like he was in his element with this number.

Okay, now that my criticisms are out of the way, I must praise the casting for the younger characters, particularly Amanda Seyfried, Samantha Barks and Eddie Redmayne. Their trio of "A Heart Full of Love" was divine by the final note. Seyfried hits some beautiful high notes in a couple of songs. Barks is perfect with her powerhouse voice in "On My Own," and Redmayne is impressive in "Empty Chairs At Empty Tables," which I've always thought is a difficult song for a man to sing, but Redmayne proves his dynamic voice range well. There's been buzz that Redmayne will likely be nominated for best supporting male actor, and I wouldn't argue that it isn't deserved.

And then of course, Anne Hathaway blows us away with her emotionally charged "I Dreamed A Dream." I really felt the raw emotion of that song, and who couldn't feel something of their own lives in that song, dreams that you've dreamed yourself and life turns out to deal you a different set of cards than you'd hoped for.

All-in-all, Mike Batie would say this is one great musical brought to film.