Legitimate Theater Bonus: #6. Pretty Woman (2018)

Pretty Woman

Welcome to Legitimate Theater: a column dedicated to movie-based stage musicals. The goal of this series is to explore those stories that originated in films and eventually worked their way onto Broadway and beyond. By the end of each entry, there will hopefully be a better understanding of this odd but rampant trend in modern entertainment. Are these stories really worth telling through song and dance? How can it even compare to the technical prowess of a camera and seamless editing? Join me on this quest as I explore the highs and lows of this trend on the third Wednesday of every month and hopefully answer what makes this Legitimate Theater.

Review: "Les Miserables" is the Amazing Musical Adaptation We've Been Waiting For

Hugh Jackman

One of the greatest joys of watching director Tom Hooper's latest Les Miserables is the realization that the musical genre has been regenerated with life. After mainstream duds like this past summer's Rock of Ages, it is fascinating to watch as Hooper takes the beloved stage show based on Victor Hugo's novel and turn it into this big lavish story with an all star cast and live recordings. Even if the film has flaws (which it does), it wears the passion and craft so proudly that it turns a movie that is essentially three hours of singing into a well constructed narrative with vivacious tunes and some jaw dropping performances. Les Miserables is a refreshing sight for the sheer fact that it feels like people are trying. But with all of this effort in place, can it go the extra mile and earn Best Picture?