Why Some People Dislike Les Mis (2012) And La La Land: Exploring Criticisms

Hey guys! Ever wondered why some movies become massive hits while others, despite their popularity, get a fair share of dislike? Today, we're diving deep into the reasons why some people aren't fans of Les Misérables (2012) and La La Land, two musicals that sparked quite a bit of debate. Let’s get into it!

Understanding the Divide: Why the Dislike for Popular Musicals?

Musical movies, like any art form, are subjective. What resonates with one person might completely miss the mark for another. When it comes to Les Misérables (2012) and La La Land, there's a blend of factors that contribute to the dissenting opinions. We're talking about everything from the musical style and the storytelling approach to the acting performances and the overall hype surrounding these films. A lot of the criticism boils down to personal taste, sure, but there are also some common threads in the arguments against these movies that are worth exploring. It's essential to recognize that disliking a popular movie doesn't make someone a contrarian; it simply means their viewing experience differed. Some viewers find the constant singing in Les Misérables overwhelming, while others feel the plot of La La Land is predictable or the characters underdeveloped. The beauty of cinema lies in its ability to evoke different emotions and reactions from different people. There's no single, correct way to feel about a film, and understanding the diverse perspectives enriches our appreciation of the art form. We also can’t forget about expectations. When a movie is heavily hyped, it sets a high bar, and if the film doesn't meet those expectations, disappointment can easily turn into dislike. This is particularly true for musicals, which often require a certain level of buy-in from the audience. If you're not a fan of the genre, a musical might have an uphill battle to win you over. However, it's really important to try and watch each movie with an open mind. Each of us has different tastes and that’s totally cool, but acknowledging the nuances of different viewpoints can make our conversations about film much richer and more insightful. So, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty details of what makes these movies tick – or not tick – for some viewers. What is it about these two iconic musicals that seems to polarize audiences so much?

Les Misérables (2012): A Love It or Hate It Adaptation

Les Misérables, the 2012 film adaptation of the beloved musical, is a prime example of a movie that divides audiences. For many, it's a powerful and emotional experience, a faithful rendition of Victor Hugo's classic novel brought to life with stunning visuals and heartfelt performances. However, a significant number of viewers have voiced strong criticisms, pointing to several key aspects of the film. One of the most common criticisms of Les Misérables (2012) is the singing style. The decision to record the actors singing live on set, while aiming for authenticity and raw emotion, didn't sit well with everyone. Some found the vocals to be strained, shaky, or simply not up to par with professional Broadway singers. While the rawness resonated with some, others felt it detracted from the overall musical quality. Another point of contention is the pacing and length of the movie. Les Misérables is a long and dense story, and the film adaptation clocks in at nearly three hours. The non-stop singing, while a hallmark of the musical, can feel exhausting to some viewers, especially those not accustomed to the genre. The relentless emotional intensity, coupled with the film's length, can be overwhelming, leading to a sense of fatigue rather than catharsis. The acting performances also draw mixed reactions. While many praise the dedication of the cast, particularly Hugh Jackman and Anne Hathaway, others find certain portrayals lacking. Some critics felt Russell Crowe's Javert was miscast, citing his vocal performance as underwhelming compared to other actors who have played the role. The heightened emotional style of acting, necessary for a musical, can also come across as melodramatic to some viewers, especially if they're not emotionally invested in the story or characters. The overall tone and style of the film is also a factor. Les Misérables is a dark and tragic story, and the film doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of 19th-century France. The bleak visuals, the constant suffering of the characters, and the lack of levity can be off-putting to some viewers. While the film aims to be faithful to the source material, its unrelenting grimness can be a tough watch for those seeking a more uplifting cinematic experience. Ultimately, the dislike for Les Misérables (2012) often stems from a combination of these factors: the vocal performances, the pacing and length, the acting choices, and the overall tone. It's a film that demands a lot from its audience, both emotionally and in terms of attention span, and it's understandable that it doesn't resonate with everyone.

La La Land: Overhyped or a Masterpiece?

Now, let’s switch gears and talk about La La Land. This 2016 musical was a critical darling and a commercial success, winning numerous awards and capturing the hearts of many moviegoers. However, it also faced a significant backlash, with some viewers finding it overrated or even disliking it outright. So, what are the reasons behind the criticism of La La Land? One of the main points of contention is the plot and characters. Some viewers found the story predictable and the characters, particularly Mia and Sebastian, to be somewhat cliché. The struggles of aspiring artists in Hollywood are a familiar trope, and La La Land's take on this theme didn't strike everyone as fresh or original. Some critics argued that the characters lacked depth and that their relationship felt contrived, making it difficult to fully invest in their journey. The ending of La La Land is another major source of debate. The film's bittersweet conclusion, where Mia and Sebastian achieve their dreams but not with each other, resonated deeply with some viewers, who saw it as a realistic and poignant portrayal of life's compromises. However, others found the ending unsatisfying, feeling that it undermined the romantic core of the film. The ambiguity of the ending and the suggestion that Mia and Sebastian might have been happier together left some viewers feeling frustrated and emotionally unfulfilled. The musical numbers also draw mixed reactions. While many praise the choreography, the music, and the overall visual spectacle of the song-and-dance sequences, others find them disruptive or unnecessary. Some critics felt that the musical numbers didn't always advance the plot or develop the characters, and that they sometimes detracted from the film's realism. The blend of classic Hollywood musical style with a more contemporary sensibility didn't quite work for everyone, and some viewers found the musical numbers jarring or out of place. The hype surrounding La La Land undoubtedly played a role in the backlash. The film was heavily promoted and received widespread critical acclaim, leading to sky-high expectations. For some viewers, the film simply couldn't live up to the hype, and the inevitable letdown contributed to their dislike. The film's status as a cultural phenomenon also made it a target for contrarian opinions, with some viewers actively seeking out reasons to dislike it. Ultimately, the dislike for La La Land often stems from a combination of factors: the perceived predictability of the plot, the mixed reactions to the ending, the varying opinions on the musical numbers, and the impact of the film's overwhelming hype. It's a movie that aims to evoke a sense of nostalgia and romance, but its execution doesn't resonate with everyone, and its flaws become more apparent under the intense scrutiny of critical analysis.

Common Threads: Why Certain Musicals Miss the Mark

So, what are the common threads that run through the criticisms of Les Misérables (2012) and La La Land? While these films are very different in terms of setting, style, and story, there are some recurring themes in the negative feedback they receive. One common factor is the high expectations that surround both films. Les Misérables is based on a beloved novel and a hugely successful stage musical, while La La Land was heavily hyped as a return to the classic Hollywood musical. When a film comes with such a weight of expectation, it's almost inevitable that some viewers will be disappointed. Another key factor is the musical genre itself. Musicals are inherently stylized and require a certain level of suspension of disbelief. The characters communicate through song, and the plot is often punctuated by elaborate dance sequences. This can be off-putting to viewers who prefer a more realistic or naturalistic style of filmmaking. The constant singing and dancing can feel artificial or intrusive, especially if the viewer isn't already a fan of musicals. The emotional intensity of both films is another potential stumbling block. Les Misérables is a relentlessly tragic story, while La La Land, despite its lighter moments, ultimately deals with themes of heartbreak and unfulfilled dreams. These films demand a lot from their audience emotionally, and some viewers may find the constant emotional bombardment overwhelming or draining. The performances and casting choices also play a role. In both films, some viewers have questioned the vocal abilities of certain actors or felt that certain roles were miscast. Musical performances are inherently subjective, and what sounds great to one person may sound jarring to another. Casting choices can also be divisive, especially when actors are playing iconic roles or characters that have a strong pre-existing image in the audience's mind. Finally, personal taste is always a significant factor. Some viewers simply don't connect with the stories, the characters, or the music in these films. There's no accounting for taste, and what one person finds moving or entertaining, another may find boring or irritating. The beauty of art lies in its subjectivity, and it's perfectly valid to dislike a film, even if it's widely acclaimed. Understanding the different perspectives and the various reasons behind them can enrich our appreciation of film and foster more meaningful discussions about cinema.

Conclusion: Celebrating Diverse Opinions

In conclusion, the reasons why some people dislike Les Misérables (2012) and La La Land are varied and complex. From musical styles and plot choices to character development and overall hype, a multitude of factors contribute to individual viewing experiences. It’s important to remember that disliking a popular movie doesn’t make anyone wrong; it simply highlights the subjective nature of art. By exploring these different perspectives, we gain a richer understanding of film and the diverse ways in which it can be interpreted. So, whether you're a die-hard fan or a vocal critic, your opinion matters in the ongoing conversation about cinema. Let’s keep the discussions going and continue to celebrate the diverse tapestry of tastes and opinions in the world of movies!