why do you think that?

I can't believe I hadn't heard about this. I've been waiting for a film version since I saw it on Broadway in 1992 (and three more times, once in Chicago and twice in Madison). So Cameron Macintosh was telling the truth on the 25th Anniversary BD/DVD.

Pretty damn good cast. And at least the "big names" can sing. Jackman has been great in a number of musicals. And glad to see Barks who was amazing in the 25th anniversary concert.

The King's Speech was a good but overrated movie, as was the direction (Oscars, to me, clearly should have gone to The Social Network and Fincher). But Hooper is undoubtedly competent.

Bring it on, I can hardly wait.

I just think it could have been better with another director. I didn't mind casting unknowns, although they could have done better with Phantom. Apparently Schumacher wanted a younger cast, which was fine for Christine and Raoul, but not necessarily Phantom.

his 'The Damned United' is IMO better than 'The King's Speech'

I agree I though Gerard as the Phantom was distracting not only in his singing but in his appearence, he's supposed to be a tad more menacing and horrific - the makeup used on Gerard's face really seemed a bit half assed.

I loved The Damned United. I forgot he did that.

Thought of more good movie-musical adaptations:

Repo: The Genetic Opera
Jesus Christ Superstar
Hedwig and the Angry Inch

Word on Repo. The creators are working on a new flick called 'The Devils Carnival'. Looking forward to it.

Only 20 years late:

Give her credit, she outlasted that Tri-Star horse.

Alan Parker has done great musicals, but I can't help imagine Les Miz being shot and over-edited like Pink Floyd - The Wall and Evita

I attended a production of Les Miserables with that ad in the program. Funny to see it finally come true.

Jesus Christ Superstar is the only one you guys have mentioned where I have seen both the movie and the musical. Agreed that it is a good translation. I liked Evita and Chicago, but can't compare them to their stage productions. Didn't care for Sweeney Todd. I haven't seen any versions of the others.

for those in the New York area or anyone travelling there, EVITA is getting revived, preview begin March 12th at the Marquis Theater - I've never seen a stage production of it, so I'm planning on seeing it. (now if the bluray of the musical film version would be released soon - I'd be a very happy camper)

I seem to recall reading that Taylor Swift was offered the part of Eponine, but I guess she turned it down figuring she wasn't right for the role, or her agent demanded an ungodly salary to get her for what will have a minimal amount of screen time. I also seem to recall reading that Lea Michele was the second strongest contender behind Swift. Guess she demanded too much as well, and I have read she is a pain to work with at times (Diva qualities).

Barker is quite the cutie without the Eponine garb, hope this does something to her and kudos for selecting talent over name recognition.

You seem to recall...things that are in this thread already?

Jesus Christ Superstar seems to inspire polar-opposite reactions depending on whether you're going along with the director's vision (like the tanks). I like it myself but know some who hate it.

And I liked the Sweeney and Phantom musicals. One of the things I like about Rent is the large percentage of original cast--I didn't see those folks on stage (except for the Rapp-Pascal farewell/reunion tour a few years ago) but the movie made me feel like I sort of did.

what? .. are you pointing at me??

I recently rewatched "Hair' the other day, and I must admit I've grown to like it, even though the stage version has a ton more music than the film version. Twyla Tharp's choreography though is excellent - this is ripe for a remake IMO.

I saw the Rapp-Pascal farewell/reunion tour of 'Rent' at the Warners here in DC and they were phenomenal - saw another version at the Church St. Theater and that version had amazing female leads (which the Rapp-Pascal production lacked)

This movie already came out and it had Liam Neeson in it.

Same

I thought the same. lol.

No, I was referring to people I know in person

My favorite, even though I'm not usually much of a fan of older films, is the 1952 version with Michael Rennie.

facebook me then...

no but seriously, this is one Lloyd Webber musical in film form that just comes across as a little odd.

I saw their reunion tour too. I was really impressed at how good they still sounded. I believe our female leads were solid, but I remember our other male leads being a bit weak.

The Phantom film I enjoyed, though the person that played/sang the Phantom's voice was bad and grated on my nerves.

I will agree with the Rent movie. It was just really bad and moving songs around made no sense. They had a script from the Broadway musical, keep that intact and film scenes around it.

There was a Les Mis movie, but it was pretty bad as well. Hopefully this one will be a lot better.

I'm still hoping that Wicked will receive a release like the Rent musical did where they released a DVD of the last showing. It was like being at the theater. In fact, I'd love one like that for Les Mis as well. There have been a couple releases, but it is just people singing the songs and no real set pieces to make it like watching the musical.