Get World-Herald’s movie critic Bob Fischbach’s take on two new films.
Les Miserables (PG-13) Hugh Jackman is moving as an ex-con who has fled parole, pursued relentlessly by a police inspector (Russell Crowe) in this gritty, sweeping musical set in 1815-32 Paris. Anne Hathaway is Oscar bait as Fantine, forced into prostitution to keep her child alive. Also great: Samantha Barks as lovelorn Eponine and Aaron Tveit as a rebel leader. Sexual situations, disturbing violence. 3.5 stars.
Silver Linings Playbook (R) Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence are stellar as mentally disturbed people whose paths cross at a turning point for both. Unlikely romantic-comedy material works thanks to strong acting, great writing and David O. Russell’s direction. Robert DeNiro shines as Cooper’s OCD, hot-tempered father. Adults only, nudity and heavy profanity. 4 stars.
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