Les Misérables - 3 1/2 smiles

“Les Misérables,” directed by last year’s Oscar winning director Tom Hooper, is hampered by Russell Crowe’s rather stiff Javert, with his strained voice and pinched expressions. And as comic relief, a little of Sacha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter go a long way. Fortunately, Hugh Jackman is potent in the lead role of Jean Valjean, imprisoned for almost 20 years for stealing a loaf of bread. It is by far Jackman’s finest screen performance. But the showstopper is Anne Hathaway, who’s tremendous as Fantine. And Hooper is able to establish an emotional response using frequent close ups and requiring his actors to sing live on set, rather than dubbing later. The result is a collection of astounding voices. Eddie Redmayne’s singing ability is a pleasant surprise as the idealistic rebel Marius, who falls in love with Fantine’s daughter Cosette (Amanda Seyfried). And Samantha Barks’ Eponine is heartbreaking when she sings ‘On My Own.’

The story, which spans 1815 to the French rebellion of 1832, deals with love, idealism and sacrifice. Valjean is released from slave labor and inspired to turn his life around after a priest treats him with kindness and dignity. He becomes a successful businessman and mayor, but the relentless Javert is hot on his trail for violating parole. Valjean is deeply moved by Fantine, who worked in his factory, but loses her job and is forced to sell her hair, teeth and body. Filled with regret, Valjean promises to care for her young daughter Cosette. Valjean learns the power of selfless love by brining up Cosette and the young girl is given a life of privilege. But all the while, Javert lurks. Although the movie clocks in at 2 ½ hours, it’s surprisingly well paced. The costumes and sets are gorgeous, but “Les Misérables ” is successful because of its superlative musical performances.