Hugh Jackman, Anne Hathaway and Amanda Seyfried star in five clips from Les Miserables

Brad Sturdivant December 1st, 2012

Hugh Jackman in Les Miserables

When Tom Hooper’s LES MISERABLES was shown to critics in LA and NYC, it got standing ovations at every screening. Words like “masterpiece”, “brilliant” and “breath-taking” are just a few of the adjectives used to describe the epic musical. Some odds makers are saying it’s hands down the favorite to win the coveted Best Picture Oscar at the Academy Awards. There’s even word that Hugh Jackman‘s magnificent performance might take the Best Actor Oscar right out of the hands of Daniel Day-Lewis. All of that is great, but the average moviegoer doesn’t really care what critics think and it remains to be seen if the cherished musical will find box office success. One thing that may hold it back is the fact that virtually every word of dialogue is sung, which can be tough to digest if you’re not used to that.

It’s early, but I’m afraid LES MISERABLES might suffer from what I call “Titanic-syndrome”, where a film receives so much hype and praise that moviegoers and critics alike start disliking the film. Of course, TITANIC went on to win several awards, including Best Picture, so I guess there are worse films to be compared to. Regardless, it’s hard to ignore the early reviews and with a brilliant cast, I’m inclined to believe the hype.

LES MISERABLES stars Anne Hathaway, Russell Crowe, Helena Bonham Carter, Hugh Jackman, Amanda Seyfried, Sacha Baron Cohen, Eddie Redmayne and Samantha Barks. The Tom Hooper directed film opens in theaters on December 25th, 2012. Remember; about 90% of the film was sung live, not mouthed and then recorded later. Hooper said he did that so the film would have more “soul” and that it could come through clearer in the actors performances. Did it work? Well, you can get a taste for the film and decide for yourself by checking out the five clips below.