Former ‘Gossip Girl’ Star Joins ‘Les Miz’ Cast

It’s a wonder that there hasn’t already been a movie version of the famed Broadway musical, “Les Miserables.” The show, also known by its nickname “Les Miz,” is the third longest running show on Broadway, the longest running musical on the West End and the winner of the 1987 Tony for Best Musical.

But alas, there hasn’t been a film featuring a singing Jean Valjean and Javert to grace the screens just yet. Although, there have been adaptations of the book, the best known being the 1998 film starring Liam Neeson, Geoffrey Rush, Uma Thurman, and Claire Danes.

The new musical adaptation is set to hit theaters on December 7, 2012 (just in time for Oscar season, of course). Already in the cast is Hugh Jackman as the lead male role of Jean Valjean. Joining him will be Russell Crowe as Javert, Anne Hathaway as Fantine, Eddie Redmayne (“My Week With Marilyn”) as Marius, and Helena Bonham Carter as Madame Thenardier. Rumored to be making his second appearance in a film adaptation of “Les Miserables” is Geoffrey Rush, who is in talks to play Monsieur Thenardier.

The Perks of Being a Teen

There is always that awkward, strange kid from back in high school who just couldn’t fit in.

“The Perks of Being a Wallflower” is a tale of one boy’s coming of age that’s honest and graced with a clean, direct writing style. The chapters always open with “Dear Friend,” as the book is written in letter format, from Charlie to an anonymous friend. This is a story about Charlie and his quest towards manhood. It chronicles the ups and downs of an overly smart boy set in the middle of a whirlpool of stereotypical high school drama.

Charlie is, often, a little too goody-two-shoes. His curiosity of the world makes the read much more intriguing and insightful. Stephen Chbosky’s writing style makes one become so engrossed in Charlie’s world that it becomes difficult to remember whether it’s fiction or not. It layers the importance of bonding and the relevance of “driving at night to your first real party as it begins to rain.” High school memories aren’t often the fondest, but readers can all relate to that first football game, falling in love, and a first real high school party.

Green Day Think Robert Pattinson Is An ‘Idiot’

It was announced this past April that “American Idiot,” the Green Day musical based off the album of the same name was going to be adapted to the big screen. The show about suburban youths finding their way in the post-9/11 world is good, but I was skeptical of this decision after an underwhelming performance at the Tony’s and a rather short Broadway run–the show closed on April 24.

As a side note, does it make any sense that it has taken over 25 years for a “Les Miserables” movie to be made, but it only takes “American Idiot” two years? But after hearing Green Day’s latest thoughts on the casting, I’ve lost hope.

According to celebrity blogger extraordinaire, Perez Hilton, Billie Joe Armstrong (Green Day frontman) thinks “Twilight star” Robert Pattinson would be a good choice to star the film. “I’m gonna say that kid in ‘Twilight.’ He’s a good actor. There’s still more to come with that kid.”

Next Summer, Get Ready to Rock for the Ages!

“Rock of Ages,” the touring Broadway musical inspired by 80s rock music, is coming to the silver screen next summer.  Even though the musical only opened on Broadway back in 2009, a film adaptation is already set to debut in 2012.

Maybe I’m biased, but the “Rock of Ages” Broadway show has already received killer press to build up the film, a new rockin’ cast and a sizzling hot soundtrack.  Though I can’t tell if the director really chose this cast based on true talent or just star appeal.  For instance, I’m not sure if Tom Cruise can play a failed, drug addicted rocker, or if Alec Baldwin can play a long-haired hippie bar owner.  I’m sure we’ll find out in due time.