The Greatest Showman

[kevinknapman]

For many, many reasons, The Greatest Showman really shouldn't work as well as it does.
A revisionist stab at history that rather unconvincingly casts exploitative huckster PT Barnum as a social justice warrior for the downtrodden outcasts of society (he's still very much a huckster but one that really cares about those that work in his circus and not just about the amount of money he can make from them). The 12 year age difference between Hugh Jackman and Michelle Williams despite the fact their characters are supposed to be about the same age. Plus the fact that someone somewhere thought the world needed another Baz Luhrmann, albeit a marginally more restrained version, with first time director Michael Gracey.

Despite all that I actually rather enjoyed this slice of overblown Hollywood fantasy.
The music, songs and choreography are incredibly persuasive, with several rousing and toe-tapping sequences. The modern pop-style songs aren't usually my cup of tea but La La Land lyricists Benj Pasek and Justin Paul have done a solid job (I've had 'This is Me' stuck in my head all afternoon and couldn't resist downloading the soundtrack as soon as I got home).

Hugh Jackman is on good form as Barnum, though Williams is a little wasted as his wife Charity Barnum. Zac Efron is likeable as Barnum's eventual business partner, Zendaya makes good on the promise shown in Spider-man Homecoming, Keala Settle brings dignity and a cracking singing voice to Lettie the bearded lady and Mission Impossible's Rebecca Ferguson is rather fine as the Swedish Nightingale Jenny Lind (though ironically Lind's celebrated operatic soprano is supplied by The Voice US finalist Loren Allred).

I was fully prepared to resist the film's slightly dubious take on Barnum's life, but decent tunes, a solid cast and the fact that I'm a sucker for a big screen Hollywood musical makes this one to file under 'guilty pleasure'. Far from perfect for sure but fans of Moulin Rouge should find much to enjoy.

[wonderfullywackywebster]

I enjoyed the film. Was visually appealing and a lot of talent on show. I think I would have preferred more contemporary music but I still liked the songs. I'm glad I went to see it.

However, I am vaguely aware that this film could be considered as a problematic due to not being accurate to what happened. Especially concerning Barnum himself. I need to research this more.

7.5/10

[The Sparrow]

I enjoyed the film. Was visually appealing and a lot of talent on show. I think I would have preferred more contemporary music but I still liked the songs. I'm glad I went to see it.

However, I am vaguely aware that this film could be considered as a problematic due to not being accurate to what happened. Especially concerning Barnum himself. I need to research this more.

7.5/10

I've posted a link on the previous page that you might want to check.

[RandomHajile]

terrible, friend of mine walked out 20min before the end, i should of also!

2/10

if you google who its based on you'll get a big surprise on what he pioneered

[Andymc35]

I liked the music, but in terms of narrative and direction - it was a really mess. It will join Burlesque and Nine as musicals, I sneakily enjoy!

[freefilm2]

Off to the cinema to see this tonight really looking forward to seeing it i love musicals so should love this too :)

[raj101]

if you like musicals this will be good, if not then avoid. Its at its best when its loud and brazen, but struggles in the quiet zones.

I reckon this movie is what you would have got if an "Orange Wednesdays" director from those adverts saw Moulin Rouge and decided to remake it.

Making a movie about a nutjob probably isnt the best idea. What next, Stalin the musical?

[freefilm2]

Best Musical Film i have ever seen Zac Efron is amazing! Total recommend to all to see if you love musicals you've no excuse you will love this film!

[prettyxcool]

I love Hugh and I love Zac, and I love musicals, so already a plus for me there. However, did not know it was based on Barnum, or that it was a musical, so totally surprised when the singing started! Not sure how true it all was, but it's a lovely, lovely story, and I really, really enjoyed it. 10/10

[freefilm2]

i loved it so much I've been to see it twice!