Les Misérables (3.5)

(Trailer) 

2012 musical based on the award winning play by director Tom Hooper.

Man. I really wanted to like this movie. I really enjoy the play even though I normally hate musicals so I was looking forward to it on the big screen with such an amazing cast...

Sadly, it just doesn't work on the big screen. This script is meant to be seen on stage and in person. The cast was amazing but there was nothing they could do - the screen created an emotional disconnect that just ruined all connection to the characters.

Pleasant surprises: all of the children in the movie, Eddie Redmayne and Russel Crowe. Who would'a though Russel could sing? He was good too. Even though his singing face was funny at times.

Obvious awesomeness: Anne Hathaway and her amazing vocals and my unmoving love for Hugh Jackman. Amazing.

Let downs: the movie was consistently boring. I tried so hard to keep interested and fought to pay attention and to feel emotional but it didn't happen. It was well done and the movie was beautiful but it didn't work for me on the big screen. Everything that was good was because of the amazing story and not because the movie was anything special.

The actors deserve the awards they win and the nominations they receive but the movie itself is a let down. I feel like if I hadn't have seen it on stage that I would've loved it more but that's not the case.

The ending still makes my chest go tight and my heart burst, so that's a plus.

Bonus: Sacha Baron Cohen.

3.5/5 ADSENSE HERE

Seven Psychopaths (3.5)

(Trailer) 

2012 comedy/crime film by director Martin McDonagh.

An alcoholic writer let's his friend help him with his new story. Little does he know that he may already the know the characters he creates.

I was looking forward to this movie for a very long time. It looked like an original and quirky comedy which is something films are sorely lacking these days.

I got what I wanted for 3/4 of the movie but the ending just goes wayyy off to left field and never comes back. I am sure there was a hidden metaphor or something, which I sort of got, but not enough to find the explosion of nonsense funny.

The cast is the main reason to watch. Colin Farrell, Sam Rockwell, Christopher Walken, Woody Harrelson and even Tom Waits has a short appearance. It was an all-star cast and I loved watching them in a comedy together.

Original script. Really funny from (mostly) start to finish. It's bizarre, weird and just plain strange but definitively worth a watch. Haven't seen a movie quite like it before and I'm sure I never will again.

Does it deserve the award nominations it has received: yes. Will it win: probably not. Sad fate of most comedies.

3.5/5 ADSENSE HERE