'Les Miserables'

( Universal )

Release date: Dec. 25

Blockbuster, Oscar bait or something else? Oscar bait

"Les Miserables" is not just a period film set to music. Victor Hugo's tale of revolution by the poverty-stricken against the oppressive upper class in France is revived by Tom Hooper, the man behind "The King's Speech." Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Amanda Seyfried and Helena Bonham Carter join Anne Hathaway in bringing to life a story with inescapable parallels to modern times. The film will likely be nominated for the best picture Oscar and, after a drastic haircut and dramatic weight loss for the role, Hathaway is a frontrunner for best actress.

-- Molly Chance, Zap2it