Carmen Rasmusen Herbert: Revising Barbara Walters' 'most fascinating' list of 2012

Well, turns out from what I've read and the previews I've seen, Hathaway is not only the perfect person for the part, but she portrays Fantine in a way that leaves viewers weeping. I'm impressed and, well, fascinated that this woman can play such differing roles such as the awkward, shy Mia in "The Princess Diaries," the butt-kicking, stiletto-wearing Catwoman in "The Dark Knight Rises," and then the troubled, heartbroken Fantine in "Les Mis." This woman proves she's a jack-of-all-trades, and I think she was wrongly passed by.

Gov. Mitt Romney

Walters' pick was Petraeus, and while it was rather shocking, confusing and sad when his affair came out and he retired as director of the CIA ("The keeper of the nation's secrets unable to conceal his own,” Walters said), I think a much more fascinating person — if not THE "Most Fascinating Person of 2012" — is Mitt Romney. His presidential run would have made for a much more important conversation than Petraeus' affair.

Well, that sums it up for this year. Here's hoping to another fascinating year in 2013.

Carmen Rasmusen Herbert is a former "American Idol" contestant who writes about entertainment and family for the Deseret News.