SkimIt
An intriguing variety of trailers have been released in the last week, from a gritty documentary to a pair of films starring some of the most reliable comic actresses. Let's have a look at what will be on our screens in the coming months.
Les Miserables (opening December 25)
The Details: The epic musical based on the hugely successful Broadway smash follows former petty criminal turned respected local figure Jean Valjean (Hugh Jackman) as he fights to save downtrodden working girl Fantine (Anne Hathaway) and her street urchin child Cosette (Amanda Seyfried) while evading the wrath of dogged police inspector Javert (Russell Crowe). Tom Hooper directs this PG-13 adaptation.
The Trailer: The first trailer focused primarily on the spectacle and dazzle one would expect from a historically-accurate filmed version of one of Broadway's biggest success stories. This second trailer spells out the main plot of the story against the backdrop of the French Revolution, I assume to attract those who are more into story than song. It does a nice job of sketching out the basics of Victor Hugo's sprawling 1862 novel.
The Buzz: I was in drama school when the musical was the biggest thing in the theater world; you have no idea how many girls I dated who yearned to play Fantine on Broadway, or at least in a touring production. Still, even though I don't need to ever hear "I Dreamed a Dream" again, I have to admit I'd like to see this. Rarely do musicals feel so much like a good historical drama as well.
