Selling My Books on the Streets of Brooklyn 8/15 - Sing

I saw Les Miserables on Broadway, where it ran for 27 years, long ago. Although I liked it and respected the talents involved, it didn’t think it enhanced Victor Hugo’s classic novel, so I wasn’t excited about viewing the film adaptation of the play, although it cracked almost every ten best list of 2012. My opinion holds. It is a great story. Perhaps I would have respected the lyrics more if the DVD had been closed-captioned. I suppose I should invest in the CD and follow the lyric sheet while listening. I looked forward to only one number: Master of the House, which was the highlight of the stage production. I was disappointed. I did not like the indifferent voice Sacha Baron Cohen used to sing it. In fact, the entire segment was flat. I was not humming it subconsciously today the way George Costanza and Alton Benes did in that famous episode of Seinfeld. Other than that, the film was solid, the cinematography, especially in the opening scene, imparted authenticity. And the cast was stellar. I knew Hugh Jackman was a fine singer, having been stunned by his work in a production of Oklahoma on PBS, but I’m always surprised at how competently today’s actors can sing, a far cry from the unfortunate 70’s interpretations from the likes of Peter O’Toole, Clint Eastwood and Lee Marvin. Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway, Amanda Seyfried and Helena Bonham Carter all acquitted themselves well, although I hate it when every word of a film or play -- almost every word in this case -- is sung. I really enjoyed Carter as the larcenous, amoral innkeeper, a part that seemed natural to her. The real strength of the musical is the performances of the young cast members in roles that tug at the heart strings: Isabelle Allen, ten at the time of filming, as the young Cosette; Daniel Huttlestone, 13, as Gavroche; and particularly Samantha Banks as Eponine. Each was outstanding. Given the high profile cast and the look of the production, I was amazed the budget was only 61 million. It nearly tripled that at the box office, and I’m sure DVD sales and rentals has its profit margin soaring. It was directed by Tom Hooper, whose previous film was the outstanding The King’s Speech (2010). I look forward to his future work. On a scale of five, I rate Les Miz 3.5. It is rated 7.7 of ten at IMDb. 60 million people saw it during its incredible Broadway run. It is beloved. I am self conscious about not being a big fan of it.

What will be done with all the military hardware in landlocked Afghanistan? The U.S. would be charged millions in customs fees to move it out on the ground. What isn't left behind will be sold. This includes soda machines and such. There is a site where one may purchase such material:
http://www.govliquidation.com/ I didn't know, either.

It was a great day for the floating book shop. Mrs. Eclectic has been buying books from me in bulk for several years. Today she finally bit on one of mine, A Hitch in Twilight. Thank you, Kenisha, and also to all the other buyers, and to the gentleman who donated three hardcovers by Stuart Woods, and to Michael, who donated seven more thrillers in Russian. My hunch is they will come in very handy tomorrow, as my regulars have all been taken care of this week. I closed up shop a little early and went to my sister's. She's now finishing her rehab of her broken hip at home. Today we celebrated the 15th birthday of my great niece/Godchild Danielle. Coincidentally, it is the birthday of my second oldest niece, Tanya, who lives in Denver. Happy Birthday, ladies.
Vic's 4th Novel: http://tinyurl.com/bszwlxh
Vic's 3rd Novel: http://tinyurl.com/7e9jty3
Vic's Website: http://members.tripod.com/vic_fortezza/Literature/
Vic's Short Story Collection (Print or Kindle): http://www.tiny.cc/Oycgb
Vic's 2nd Novel: http://tinyurl.com/6b86st6
Vic's 1st Novel: http://tiny.cc/94t5h
Vic's Screenplay on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/cyckn3
Vic’s Short Story on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/k95k3nx