LES MISÉRABLES | FAMILY MOVIE REVIEW INFORMATION FOR PARENTS AND KIDS

"LES MISÉRABLES"
(2012) (Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe) (PG-13)

QUICK TAKE:: Musical: The lives of a 19th century prisoner who jumped parole and started his life anew, and the police officer determined to find and recapture him repeatedly intersect over the years leading up to the French Revolution.

PLOT:

It's 1815 and Jean Valjean (HUGH JACKMAN) is a French prisoner who, after 19 years in prison for stealing a loaf of bread to feed his starving sister's family, is released on parole by the stern policeman, Javert (RUSSELL CROWE). Unable to find a job, he steals silver from a bishop who gives Jean the gift of not turning him in to the police. With a new lease on life, Jean breaks his parole and disappears.

Eight years later, Jean has reinvented himself under a pseudonym and now owns a factory in a small town of which he is also the mayor. Much to his surprise, Javert shows up for his new police assignment there, but doesn't recognize the former prisoner he so desperately wants to recapture. He is finally alerted to Jean's presence, however, when the mayor rescues a former factory worker of his turned reluctant prostitute, Fantine (ANNE HATHAWAY), and promises to find and care for that woman's young daughter, Cosette (ISABELLE ALLEN).

He eventually finds her under the less than gracious care of two innkeepers, the Thenardiers (HELENA BONHAM CARTER and SACHA BARON COHEN), who rob their customers blind when not doting after their own daughter, Eponine, while treating Cosette poorly. True to his word, Jean buys the girl from them and goes on his way.

Ten years later, Cosette (AMANDA SEYFRIED) has grown up into a young woman who's drawn the eye of Marius (EDDIE REDMAYNE), a young revolutionary who, along with his comrades, is hoping to overthrow the government. As that happens, the now grown-up Eponine (SAMANTHA BARKS) secretly pines for him, realizing all too well that Cosette has won his heart.

With the revolution ready to play out, Jean keeps both his and Fantine's past secret from Cosette, all while hoping to keep her safe and having to deal with Javert who simply won't stop until he catches his man.

WILL KIDS WANT TO SEE IT?: If they're fans of the stage musical and/or anyone in the cast, they probably will.

WHY THE MPAA RATED IT: PG-13: For suggestive and sexual material, violence and thematic elements.

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