.. passed the point of no return .. no looking back now.

**Limited Spoilers**

Went and saw The Phantom of the Opera yesterday. First impressions; the singing was brilliant, Emily Rossum sang the role of Christine beautifully, as did Patrick Wilson and Gerald Bulter the roles of Roaul and the Phantom respectively. Discussions with the family on the way home concerning the sympathy the audience may, or may not feel for the Phantom (For my part I believe they did this really well; one scene in particular within which the Phantom destroys a rose crying). We also commented that it was a freer medium to use, as you are able to play with more sets. The costumes and sets where fantastic. It’s a risky thing translating a well-loved musical from the stage to the screen. Chances are if you mentioned the Phantom to people they would think of Michael Crawford and/or Sarah Brightman, so anyone singing that role is going to be compared to him; Gerald Butler and the cast have risen to the task.

The highlights of the film were also the transitions from the present back to the past. They were spell-binding; you’ll have to see the film to see what I mean. The final fadeout shot of the movie is absolutely fantastic. The costumes, and the stage direction were also brilliant, Masquarade was choreographed beautifully. Highlights of the singing for mine where Angel of Music, Think of Me, Wishing you Were Somehow Here Again and the Point of No Return and Notes, as were the standards (Music of the Night, All I Ask of You, and Phantom of the Opera)

Yeah I did really love the film. It’s been a while since I saw the musical; I remember bits and pieces as we all did. It was also fun to go to the movies with my parents as we’ve done that over the past three years (for the Lord of the Rings movies) so its kind of nice to keep doing it, will see what’s on this time next year.

The movie reminded me how good the musical is. Next stop, finding and reading the novel.