"Les Mis" Viewing and a Miserable Sunday

I had every intention of linking up with Scavenger Hunt Sunday today, but sadly, that didn't happen.  This week was nuts and it was Friday before I realized I hadn't thought to pick up my camera all week, but then I also got kinda sick on Friday afternoon and spent the rest of the day chillin' in my bed.

Saturday, I was feeling better, so I went bridesmaid's dress shopping with my friend.  I think she finally picked the one she wants.  I actually really like trying on dresses, so I'm a little sad that it's over, but also happy that she's settled on one and that it will not cost me an arm and a leg.  It's also really pretty and flattering, so it's a win-win all around.

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Saturday evening, another friend and I finally got around to seeing "Les Miserables".  I'll be honest, I wasn't crazy excited about seeing this movie.  I just tend to like comedies and anything with a happier, upbeat tone to it.  I'm kind of embarrassed to admit that, even as a theatre junkie, I had never seen the musical on stage.  I didn't really know what to expect.  I knew some of the songs from voice lessons many years ago, but all I knew about the show is that it was set in the French Revolution, and that to me when lots of despair and possibly gore.

I must say, in the end, I'm pretty glad I went.  The movie was great, if you like that sort of movie, and even though there were a lot of hard/sad moments to watch, I never cried until the end.  Hugh Jackman was my favorite as Jean Valjean.  I've always been impressed with this acting/singing chops.  Russell Crowe is not my favorite actor, and he kind of underwhelmed me as Javert, but he did a good job.  I think I'm just not a big fan of his so it made it hard for me to appreciate his role.  Anne Hathaway has an incredible voice and did a fantastic job in her role, as well, but I found it a little hard to watch her on screen... that may sound mean, but that was just my reaction.  Overall, the singing was sensational and my favorite scenes (big surprise here) came from the revolutionaries (all young, attractive men with oh-so-sexy voices).  Oh man, Aaron Tveit as Enjolres... stunning. :-)

My friend mentioned that even though it was gritty and sad at times, you couldn't help leaving with a smile on your face, to which I agreed.  We weren't sure if it was because it was a musical (which always makes both of us happy) or because of the message... probably equal amounts of both.  It was good times.

We spent the rest of the evening planning (or rather, failing to come up with a plan) her 30th birthday in a month.  I was supposed to sing with my choir (or Worship Voices, as it is now called), Sunday morning, but when my alarm rang this morning, I knew it wasn't happen.  My throat was on fire and I couldn't get any sound (good or bad) to come out of my mouth.  I texted a couple people to let them know I would not be there and went back to bed.

Now I am contemplating taking some NiQuil and sleeping the rest of the day.  I think that sounds like a good plan.  Sorry if this has been a long, boring post, but I wanted to give you my thoughts on "Les Mis".

What did you think of the movie and the characters?