The Phantom of the Opera 2004

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The Phantom of the Opera ★★ 2004 (PG-13)

Andrew Lloyd Webber's London musical finally hit the big-screen in this extravagant version from director Schumacher. This umpteenth adaptation ramps up the romance over the hideousness of the title character. As played here by brawny Scottish actor Butler, the Phantom is positively swoon-worthy. Story is simple: Paris Opera engenue Christine (Rossum) gets her big chance when diva Carlotta (Driver) huffs off the stage. Christine is then torn between two would-be loves; well-mannered opera patron Vicompte Raoul de Chagny (Wilson) and that mystery man. Some changes are made from stage to screen but fans won't be unduly alarmed although the film's cheesy romanticism is unlikely to find new converts. Sets and costumes are eye-catching. 143m/C VHS, DVD, Blu-ray Disc, HD DVD . Gerard Butler, Emmy Rossum, Patrick Wilson, Miranda Richardson, Minnie Driver, Simon Callow, Ciaran Hinds, James Fleet, Kevin McNally, Murray Melvin, Victor McGuire, Jennifer Ellison; D: Joel Schumacher; W: Joel Schumacher, Andrew Lloyd Webber; C: John Mathieson; M: Andrew Lloyd Webber.

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