Mrs Brown v Les Miserable

This week I watched Les Miserable with my therapist at the local Cineworld.

MOVIE INFO

Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France, Les Misérables tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption-a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit. Jackman plays ex-prisoner Jean Valjean, hunted for decades by the ruthless policeman Javert (Crowe) after he breaks parole. When Valjean agrees to care for factory worker Fantine's (Hathaway) young daughter, Cosette, their lives change forever. In December 2012, the world's longest-running musical brings its power to the big screen in Tom Hooper's sweeping and spectacular interpretation of Victor Hugo's epic tale

My therapist Tamara is leaving for Thailand today, so I decided to take her to the cinema as a goodbye gift. Well actually I gave her a copy of my book, some recreational drugs and a bottle of vino as a goodbye gift, but at least this got me out of the flat. 

LES MISERABLE by the way if you want to sound cultured and sexy you don't say the LE bit in  MISERAB-LE. I know you might think you'll come across as a pretentious prick at the box office but if you're trying to look sophisticated then this is a point worth remembering. First off I should say I'm not a fan of musicals. It completely takes me out of the movie when you're watching a film then out of nowhere some muppet breaks out in song and everyone joins in. I will give a pass to the original Annie (being remade with Willow Smith I hear, unfortunately) because I grew up with that film and Punjab kicked ass! But I saw Mammia with my then girlfriend and by jove, Waterloo'd of shit.
So this film needed to impress the socks off me. Firstly you have to get past the fact that Russell Crowe sings. He isn't great but his presence on the screen is always welcome. Hugh Jackman is my tip for Best Male Oscar this year, though the deserved winner should be Joaquin Phoenix for his role in The Master. My favourite film of last year.

This film overwhelmed me at several stages and is a lot to take in all at once. The Anne Hathaway scene is breathtaking and I still fancied her with the diesel dyke haircut and missing teeth. The woman can do no wrong I tell you! She will win best actress hands down. If I had to fault the film I'd say it could have ended sooner, there was a added 10-15 minutes that I could have done without.

Also look out for Samantha Banks, she is not only hot shit but the best singer in this film. And Eddie Redmayne has some pipes on him too. You might recognize him from My week with Marilyn. He's the one that has a fixed expression like he is just got a wiff of his own fart and is trying to do the fart math in his head as to what meal lead to the stench.

Tomato Meter - 70% (critics)
Tomato Meter - 84% (audience)
Peter Meter -     79%


Earlier in the week I had some spare time so I decided to watch Mrs Brown on the iPlayer.

MOVIE INFO

The ruler of England discovers the value of common friendship in this historical drama. After the death of her husband Prince Albert, Queen Victoria (Judi Dench) is despondent, and she remains in mourning for two years after Albert's passing. When one of her servants suggests that a daily ride on horseback might be a tonic for the Queen's health and spirits, a Scotsman named John Brown (Billy Connolly) is hired as her guide and groom. At first, the Queen shows no interest in riding, though Brown readies a horse for her each day; finally, after several days, Mr. Brown speaks frankly to the Queen, announcing, "Honest to God, I never thought I'd see you in such a state!" While her court is shocked, the Queen is refreshed that someone would speak to her so directly. Soon the Queen is riding with Mr. Brown every morning, and she discovers him to be a friend and confidante who will speak to her as a person and not as a potentate. However, many are shocked by their relationship, believing that the commoner Mr. Brown is using his friendship for political advantage -- or worse, that he's become her love.

Infact I watched this in about 3 sittings so it does prove a watchable flick and I obviously cared for the characters. This is the best thing I've seen Billy Connolly do, not being a huge fan of his stand up. Also if you want to see Gerard Butler in a film without a machine gun or shouting 90% of his dialogue, then you might be interested in seeing him in this. I got to say not a lot happens, and it ends with a bit of a whimper. I imagine everyone won oscars for this because it is one for thespians and critics alike. But your average Joe may wish this film had a rocket up its ass at times. 

Tomato Meter - 94% (critics)

Tomato Meter - 75% (audience)

Tomato Meter - 68%

I haven't watched anything else this week as I'm busy writing another book about shagging aswel as studying for a grade 8 piano exam aswel as starting my online degree. But last night I went clubbing for the first time in a year as my buddy Rob Jones had some VIP tickets to a Evoke in Chelmsford. The best part of the night was at midnight where they turn all the ceiling chandeliers to the sound of some banging dubstep. Not my usual bag but I rather enjoyed it. So WATCH the lighting display down Evoke in Chelmsford and NOT Mrs Brown or Les Miserable. 

@thepeterbrooker