Film Review: The Greatest Showman

 

Synopsis: Hugh Jackman leads an all-star cast in this bold and original musical filled with infectious showstopping performances that will bring you to your feet time and time again. Inspired by the story of P.T. Barnum (Jackman) and celebrating the birth of show business, the film follows the visionary who rose from nothing to create a mesmerising spectacle. This inspirational film also stars Zac Efron, Michelle Williams, Rebecca Ferguson and Zendaya.

 

 

Film: The Greatest Showman

Director: Michael Gracey

Date: 2018

The more hype I hear about something, whether it is a show or a book, the more dubious I become.

I haven’t heard a single bad thing about The Greatest Showman: many people saying it is the best film they have seen.

I’ve only just got around to seeing it for myself and my conclusion? The hype has got it completely right this time: I loved it.

Of course, the circumstances around seeing it helped. I finally got to view it at an open-air cinema at my local park, along with my best friend, my parents and a group of their friends. To make it even better, a storm surrounded us for the entire time: throughout the full length of the film, there was lighting ripping open the sky around us. But there was no rain and no thunder – it was certainly an atmospheric viewing.

I’d been listening to the soundtrack, so was familiar with the music before seeing the film. It’s interesting listening to the music first: how much of the plot did you work out? How much were you right about and what things had you guessed completely wrong just by hearing the songs?

So, onto the film itself…

I loved it.

I’m not sure what else I can say that won’t just be me gushing out how much I enjoyed it. There have been so many eloquently written reviews that I can’t do it justice.

I will pull out some bits that meant something to me though.

I didn’t have any real inclination about the plot. What I liked, and moved me to be honest, is how much is focused on equality. This is so relatable to today’s society, where being different can mean isolation or trying to conform to other people’s expectations, despite it making you unhappy.

But this showed that doing something different, even crazy (see what I did there?) can sometimes be the only way to make you happy. You have to take risks, you have to dream and if you have those things, then there are really no limits for what you can do.

The characters made you feel for them as well. It’s difficult to put into words, but I thought the film was a moving one and not just because some of the songs gave me the shivers (although that could have been it’s quite cold sitting outside, even in late May!).

There is some incredible talent in this film. I thought all the cast had strong voices and were perfectly cast for their role. I haven’t experienced many of Hugh Jackman’s films, but he impressed me. I had heard people complaining after Les Mis that he can’t sing, but I thought he had a good voice in this and as excellent in his role.

This is definitely one that I’m getting on DVD. I can see it being a source of entertainment on many a Friday night in the future. A thoroughly enjoyable evening out and definitely a film recommendation.

Amazon

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