Musicals: The Greatest Showman

With the return of the movie musical, The Greatest Showman blasts onto the screen as one to remember.

hollywoodreporter.com

What It's About:

The Greatest Showman journals the life of P.T. Barnum from where and how he got his start into his years as a collector of curiosities, and circus mogul. This musical re-imagines the courage, passion, and guts of Barnum's vision, his love for his family, and the incredible figures who were instrumental in his achievements. 

Why You'll Love It:

• From the get-go it starts with a rocking, pumped-up number, and the music stays steadily great from there. Even if the movie isn't your favourite, you'll probably want to buy the album.
• Speaking of the music, it will get insanely stuck in your head. You'll connect to a song or two while watching it, but those (and more) will sneak up on you when you aren't paying attention. These songs will not only stick with you, but will become your anthems.
• The costumes and the scenery are gorgeous. This film is absolutely beautiful, which rich and bright colours in every inch.
• It's a feel good family film with great characters that will inspire you.
• There's a strong cast throughout. Hugh Jackman is wonderful of course, and both Zac Efron and Zendaya were a pleasant surprise.

Why You Might Want To Skip It:

• The first few songs are clearly acted alongside a pre-taped soundtrack. Yes, movie musicals tend to be done this way, but here it just doesn't look right. It feels like things don't quite connect for a bit, and it takes away from the experience. Fortunately the songs match up with the movements much better later on, but the beginning is off.
• Hate CGI? Well, it isn't a strong suit in a couple of distinct places in this film. It works for the most part, but when it looks fake, well, it looks super fake. It would have been better to have just left it out there.
• There are a few blatant historical inaccuracies. I'm not discussing Barnum's real life (of which I know little about), but little things such as costuming details are really noticeable when you know about the time period.
• In some places the choreography and singing don't feel like they fit the movie. The dancing doesn't fit the feel or the time period, and the opera singer performs the poppiest ballad there is with no hint of an operatic influence.

Final Thoughts

Definitely worth the time if you love musicals. Hugh Jackman is in his element here - much more than for Les Misérables, so if you love his triple threat talent, this is one he can (and should) be proud of. I don't think it's without flaws, and I feel like the story is one you have to just watch as a feel-good musical rather than a biopic, but that's okay. If you can do that, you're in for a good time.