cinematically, it was beautiful.acting .... meh.but vocally... it hurt.anyone with a vocal or musical theatre background knows the incredible demands of Webber's huge musical. The ONLY way to pull off the story's transfer from stage to screen is to involve fully capable vocalists in the principal roles.the two young lovers (christine and Raoul) did an admirable job, especially Raoul. But as for Gerard Butler [Phantom]..... whoever cast him should be shot.There are SO MANY actors out there who could pull off the role... why on earth they cast someone who couldn't sing to save their lives, I don't know.as a movie, it's beautiful. but if you have any background in voice or musical theatre, spare yourself.