Les Misérables

I’ve never seen the stage version of Les Mis or even heard anything from the soundtrack. So, I’m judging this on its own terms—as a musical film, not as the Broadway show. And as a film, it was easily the worst thing I saw at the multiplex in 2012. On the other hand, the rest of the audience seemed genuinely moved. People were sobbing by the end, and a good chunk gave it an ovation when it faded to black. (For what that’s worth.) But for me, it was pure torture. Nothing but the rudiments of Victor Hugo’s classic multifaceted novel remain, a synopsis of which serves only as life-support for two and a half hours of sung-through elevator musical. Cinemark 14, Feather River Cinemas and Paradise Cinema 7. Rated PG-13.