Movie Review: Les Mis

I cried, I laughed, I swooned...I rushed to the bathroom to see how badly I damaged my makeup. I knew that Broadway's biggest musical was going to leave an emotional impact but was not prepared to be leaving the theater as such a mess. As expected, Anne Hathaway's "I Dreamed A Dream" sequence produced many tears and "cosigns" to her much talked about Oscar hype. But after Hathaway took the audience into a deep depression, I thought my emotions were safe because really, what could be more saddening than selling your body for your child's sake? Turns out, there were still more revolution children involved to continue my bawling.

My particular favorites in the movie were Samantha Barks and Aaron Tveit. As someone who is too attached over Eponine singing On My Own, I was ecstatic over Samantha's casting. Considering how short the role seemed (seriously, did anyone else feel like her part was severely cut?), she left a huge impact in the film. And then there was Aaron Tveit. I have a special place for Aaron in my heart after meeting him in his Catch Me If You Can days. It was a beautiful moment when his baby blues looked into my eyes as I blabbered on about how perfect he was and then instructed my sister where to stand when she took our picture. In that moment, I melted and knew he was a major husband contender. Of course, Les Mis only confirmed that belief. Aaron was incredible as Enjolras. And when he held up the iconic red flag? Maybe that wasn't the most appropriate time to be swooning, but I did...along with more crying.

Despite the mixed reviews on the film, I thought Les Mis was well done. Like the film version of Rent, which I will defend till the day I die, no one is ever pleased with how Broadway musicals are transformed into Hollywood movies. The two are nearly impossible to combine, but at least Les Mis was done justice (Remember when TSwift was in talks to play Eponine? This could've taken an awful turn...). Besides, I rarely see people in the movie theater so affected to the point of blowing their noses from crying and then clapping loudly at the end of films. In my experience, Les Mis did succeed with brining the stage atmosphere to the movies.

Fashion Friday: Top Five Favorites of the Week

5.

Smash

As a musical theater lover, I can't wait for the premiere of Smash! A show about what goes on behind the scenes during a Marilyn Monroe musical? Already sounds like perfection to me.

4.

The film production of Les Miserables has been off to a rocky start, so I had to let out a sigh of relief when Amanda Seyfried was casted as Cosette. The young actress is easily going to be a scene stealer while owning that iconic wedding dress and belting out the classic songs. Amanda has plenty of experience for this part thanks to her musical background. Here's to hoping the character of Eponine is also played by a well trained actress...

3.

New year, new designer guilty pleasure! As 2011 was winding down, it seemed Kate Spade was everywhere. The adorable brand sells irresistible clothes, jewels, shoes, phone covers, purses, and much more! Looking forward to investing much of my shopping time at this store this year.

2.

After an extremely long and unnecessary hiatus, the Vampire Diaries finally returned last night! Don't let the fact that it's on the CW keep you from watching this show. Not only does it have the hottest cast on television(Ian Somerhalder, swoon!), but every episode always ends with such a crazy cliffhanger that you'll be left begging for more. Although the show might not be known for its fashion, these characters are pretty much throwing a different party/fundraiser every week so there's plenty of couture eye candy to go around.

1.

This past week, Dior announced Mila Kunis as the new face for the brand. I would love to meet whoever is behind Dior's marketing team because they can seriously do no wrong! Charlize, Marion, Natalie, and now Mila? This fashion label has the best advertising campaigns with the some of the top leading ladies in Hollywood. 

Lights, Camera, Advertising!

The other week I came across the combination of my two favorite things--fashion and musicals. I was in NYC to see the Broadway show Catch Me If You Can. Before the show started, my sister was looking through the playbill while I strategized how I would convince Aaron Tveit to marry me. My sister snapped me back to reality when she pointed out one of playbill's advertisement. In a glitzy Broadway format, the ad showcased the different designers that can be found at Blommingdale's . The simple black and white layout was surprisingly eye-catching. I loved how the designers were presented like their names were celebrities(ok they're pretty much better than celebrities). From the bold title "Now Starring" to the cute touch of a five star "review" at the bottom, I was hooked. It also helped that I hope to register at Blommingdale's for my wedding someday so I took this as a serious sign. Despite my trouble breathing when Mr. Tveit graced the stage, I made a note to myself to blog about this adorable advertisement. Here it is...!

 

"The stage is not merely the meeting place of all the arts, but is also the return of art to life."

-Oscar Wilde