"The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" (Rated PG-13 for extended sequences of intense fantasy action violence, and frightening images; NewLine/Eurpac, $28.98)
Director Peter Jackson takes way, way too much time getting this prequel to "The Lord of the Rings," and even though there is an abundance of characters here, few stand out. Jackson is stretching one average-sized book into three films, so things get strained, but the film's second half picks up quite a bit, becoming the wild fantasy ride we expect. GRADE: B-
"Les Miserables" (Rated PG-13 for suggestive and sexual material, violence and thematic elements; Universal, $29.98)
This adaptation of the oddly beloved musical spends most of its length wallowing in misery of the French 19th-century variety, with Hugh Jackman playing a man unjustly imprisoned who skips out on his parole, to be followed by a cold official (Russell Crowe), and plays father to an orphan (Amanda Seyfried) who falls in love with a young revolutionary (Eddie Redmayne). Oscar winner Anne Hathaway is the best thing about the film, and she's barely in it. Miserable indeed. GRADE: D+
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