It has the cast. It definitely has the budget. And it most certainly has the tunes. So can the latest film adaptation of Les Miserables meet the expectations of ardent fans but still be enjoyed by the populous? We get to our first look thanks to this rather grand trailer.

Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway, Helena Bonham Carter, and Amanda Seyfried add their star power to the tale of an ex-prisoner’s redemption in 19th century France. Keeping the stars in line and orchestrating what is sure to be a box office hit is Oscar winning director Tom Hooper (The King’s Speech).

We know Hathaway, Jackman, Crowe and Co. are no strangers to belting out a tune or two, but can they do justice to the one of the world’s finest musicals? We get to see how the former gets on here:

http://youtu.be/JQwZdMTuki8

No question about it, this is definitely a film for fans of the musical. And it looks suitably epic in scale. There’s no dialogue in the trailer, so hopefully there’s some substance under all that grandeur.

I’ll admit I had no real desire to see this film prior to the trailer. However I like the film’s look and I’m a sucker for epic stuff. So let’s say I’m now sitting on the fence… or rather barricade.

Are you a Les Mis fan? If you’re not, has this trailer swayed your view in any way? Any gurus care to comment on Hathaway’s vocal styling?

Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France, Les Misérables tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption–a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit. Jackman plays ex-prisoner Jean Valjean, hunted for decades by the ruthless policeman Javert (Crowe) after he breaks parole. When Valjean agrees to care for factory worker Fantine’s (Hathaway) young daughter, Cosette, their lives change forever.

Directed by Tom Hooper, the film stars Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway, Helena Bonham Carter, Eddie Redmayne, Amanda Seyfried, and Samantha Banks.

Les Miserables storms our screens on Jan 10, 2013