It is always risky when someone tries to turn a successful musical into a movie.  But after such soaring hits such as Hairspray, Mamma Mia, and The Phantom of the Opera, we finally have Les Miserables, which was released Christmas Day. The film, starring Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway and Samantha Barks, is based on the acclaimed Broadway musical and directed by Tom Hooper who also directed the award winning The King’s Speech.

Based on the novel of the same name written by Victor Hugo, the story tells of Jean Valjean (Hugh Jackman) who is granted his freedom and after being convicted of thievery and sentenced to 19 years because he tried to escape. When released, he is given the chance from a priest to start over and begin a new life. Years later, under a new name, he has become a successful factory owner. He meets Fantine (Anne Hathaway) the mother of Cosette, her only daughter who was taken from her. After revealing his true identity to save an innocent man, he escapes Inspector Javert (Russell Crowe), finds the child in the hands of the Thenardiers (Sacha Baron Cohen and Helen Bonham Carter) and chooses to raise her on his own. The grown-up Cosette (Amanda Seyfried) meets Marius (Eddie Redmayne), a bright-eyed young boy who quickly (maybe too quickly) falls in love with the girl, leaving behind the love his long-time friend Eponine (Samantha Barks) has for him unrequited.

Interweaving all these characters is a hefty task, especially when trying to tie in the French Revolution; it’s amazing the story can fit in a three-hour time slot.

Tom Hooper’s direction blends well with the rich screenplay written by William Nicholson and the many famous songs written by Claude-Michel Schonberg, Alain Boublil and Herbert Kretzmer. Using clear and beautiful cinematography Hooper is able to transport the audience into the story as if they were there with the characters witnessing the story.

At the head of the all-star cast is actor Hugh Jackman as Jean Valjean. Jackman is a renowned stage performer and his acting skills pay off rather nicely in this film production. Samantha Barks makes her film debut as Eponine, a character who is ignored by the man she wants to be with. Her incredible singing in her song, “On My Own,” is beautiful and can make one misty-eyed. Famous actors Helena Bonham Carter and Sacha Baron Cohen provide the necessary comic relief as the inn keepers, the Thenardiers.

The weakest performer unfortunately is Russell Crowe as Inspector Javert. While his acting skills are strong as ever, his singing skills are weak. A majority of the film is sung, so unfortunately Crowe has a hard time holding himself against professional singers such as Jackman.

Without a doubt, the most memorable moment in the film is the performance of the show’s signature song “I Dreamed a Dream” by Anne Hathaway as Fantine.  It’s a jaw-dropping, moving, powerful and truly stunning performance that must be seen to be believed. Hathaway, who everyone knows is a serious actress, proves to be a great singer as well.

It might not be the best musical-to-movie adaptation but it certainly comes close thanks to Tom Hooper’s powerful directing, the moving story with the truly top-notch score, and a talented cast.   FINAL SCORE: Four stars (out of a possible 5)