Les Mis...sed It By That Much

It would be an understatement to say that I had high expectations walking in to see Les Miserables. It would be accurate to say that I was somewhat underwhelmed. However, upon reflection over what was lacking, I don't entirely blame the length, Russell Crowe's awkward performance or the unbalanced tempo of the film. I blame you, hyperbolic film viewer!

For a week prior to seeing the film, everyone and her grandmother spoke about how Les Mis was a miraculous experience, one not to be missed. Nominations for golden globes piled up and whispers about academy awards grew louder. On more than one occasion, I heard the term "blown away" used. I remained firmly planted in my seat. What's more, I had heard people say they sobbed uncontrollably through the entire movie. The closest I came to getting the sniffles was when I produced a hearty sneeze about two hours in.

This is not to say that I didn't enjoy it at all. Many of the cast had truly exceptional performances. I would say the second biggest issue I took with the film was one I have had with other musicals: instead of turning a musical into a film, they seemed to film a musical. The biggest issue was, as I have said, those who set the bar so high, they ruin it for others. When you say things like, "the best movie I have and will ever see," I expect to go to the theater and have my socks shoot off towards the screen in a vortex of awesomeness. If you doubt this experience will occur, please, for future reference, simply say, "the movie was pretty good."