This long and rather bitty adaptation of Victor Hugo's classic isn't likely to disturb any fondly held recollections of earlier versions. Director Bille August, who failed with an even more star-studded cast in The House of the Spirits, seems unable to extract convincing performances from English-speaking actors. Liam Neeson is the lone bright spot here as an anguished Jean Valjean, but Geoffrey Rush's Javert, although a competent reading of the man who pursues ex-convict Valjean over several decades in the early 1800s, is hardly the best of this fine actor's portrayals; nor will supporting acting by Uma Thurman, Claire Danes, Hans Matheson and Peter Vaughan find its way into their lists of great achievements. Period atmosphere is okay, although Paris scarcely looks like Paris - unsurprising as most of the film was shot in the Czech Republic. And a story which should move relentlessly onwards, moves forward only in fits and starts.

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