A sampling of movie critics’ opinions of “Les Miserables,” which opened Wednesday:

“If you love ‘Les Miz’ the stage musical, my guess is you will love what (director Tom) Hooper and his bustling company have done. But when you hear ‘Master of the House’ and you think of the ‘Seinfeld’ episode with Elaine’s gruff dad belting the tune before you think of those shifty innkeepers the Thenardiers, then you may want to steer clear of this grand endeavor. Hugo your way, I’ll go mine.”

Stephen Rea, The Philadelphia Inquirer

“There’s plenty to cheer in ‘Les Miserables,’ not the least of which is the presence of some genuinely astonishing breakout performances. Eddie Redmayne — most recently seen as the eager young production assistant in ‘My Week With Marilyn’ — delivers by far the most moving and memorable performance in the film as the young firebrand Marius, who along with his fellow students is caught up in France’s political upheavals in the 19th century.”

Ann Hornady, The Washington Post

“Is there anything Hugh Jackman cannot do? Comic book superhero (Wolverine in the ‘X-Men’ movies), romcom heartthrob (‘Kate & Leopold’), musical theater leading man (Curly in ‘Oklahoma!’), raconteur (hosting the Tony and Oscar awards shows).

“ ... Jackman brings a suitable gravity to the role, and he has the vocal chops to bring off soaring pop-operatic arias like ‘Who Am I?’ and ‘Bring Him Home.’ In his nuanced performance, the relationships between (Jean) Valjean and the women in his life, the prostitute Fantine and her daughter, Cosette, have a warmth and feeling that is more evident in the movie than on stage.”

John Fleming, Tampa Bay Times

“Anne Hathaway is tres magnifique. Hooper was smart enough to know that while the actress might not have the singing skills of those who have played the role on stage, Hathaway’s acting abilities more than makes up for any musical deficiencies. Hooper leaves the camera on her face as she sings the show-stopping ‘I Dreamed a Dream’ with such haunting refrain that it makes you think that this must be what it’s like when angels cry. Some people are given Oscars, others earn them. Hathaway has more than earned a gold statue.”

Rick Bentley, The Fresno Bee

“ ...(T)he transplanting of material from one medium to another is always a delicate procedure, and sometimes the patient dies. In the case of ‘Les Miserables,’ film literalizes the story and makes maudlin or ridiculous that which might have seemed poetic on the stage. The notion of Valjean’s having served time for stealing bread loses its metaphorical significance and seems more like a hard luck story that Valjean just won’t stop harping on.”

Mick LaSalle, the San Francisco Chronicle

“Much will be made of (Russell) Crowe’s capable but hardly astounding singing. The notes the actor doesn’t hit in song, he captures in his face. Javert is the only one that doesn’t know how wounded he is by his past, how out of tune with France’s future he is.”

Lisa Kennedy, The Denver Post