I am a huge fan of musicals and after hearing pretty good reviews I knew I had to go and watch The Greatest Showman. The story is inspired by P.T. Barnum and the stars from Barnum & Bailey’s Circus. The film briefly shows Barnum’s childhood (albeit in a slightly rushed fashion) as the son of a penniless tailor and follows on to showcase his career as a showman, philanthropist and entrepreneur. Whilst I was vaguely familiar with the work of P.T. Barnum (portrayed by Hugh Jackman), I went in with an open mind as I wasn’t too sure what to expect from this film. The first thing that drew me to The Greatest Showman was definitely the all-star cast including Hugh Jackman, Michelle Williams, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, and Zac Efron.
Barnum is a family man full of wondrous ideas in the hope that he can provide the life he promised to his wife, Charity (Michelle Williams). Barnum’s career begins with ghastly waxworks, stuffed animals and terrible actors paid to interact with customers (if there were any). The main thing that confused me during this film is how Barnum’s children did not age despite it being implied that years had passed since Barnum first started his museum. Anyway, after an unsuccessful opening weekend, Barnum comes to the realisation that we, as a curious species, would pay to see what is deemed out of the ordinary such as a bearded lady and dwarf riding a horse. We are introduced to the idea that diversity is something to be celebrated rather than condemned. The award-nominated song, This is Me is becoming a sort of anthem for those who feel misunderstood and outcast from mainstream society. This is still something that society struggles with so I enjoyed this subplot as it felt somewhat relatable.
After getting a taste of success and wealth, Barnum convinces Phillip Carlyle (Zac Efron) to become partners in an attempt to draw in a highbrow crowd, however, more and more people start to protest against the circus for exploiting the “freaks”. After continuing success, Barnum goes on to work with the Swedish-Nightingale – Jenny Lind (Rebecca Ferguson). I really enjoyed this subplot with Jenny Lind as I felt that showed how greed can often get the better of us. Lind’s character wows the audience with her beautiful song Never Enough which tells the tale of there will never be anything good enough, perfectly coinciding with the high point of Barnum’s greed.
I decided not to listen to the soundtrack before watching the film as I didn’t want it to change how I experienced. I have to admit that I am not the biggest fan of Hugh Jackman’s singing and I felt exactly the same when I watched him in the 2012 film of Les Miserablés. I feel that his voice may not be the perfect match for the pop soundtrack. However, I still love the soundtrack and have listened to it pretty much every day since watching the film. The songs are so catchy that it’s almost annoying but I think they are well written and this has to be one of my favourite musical film soundtracks. At first, I wasn’t too sure about the genre as I felt it didn’t particularly match what the film was about, however, I felt that it worked well to little modernity and I just flipping love the songs, to be honest. My favourite song on the soundtrack is A Million Dreams, I just can’t stop singing it, if only I could sing well.
The Greatest Showman is a little cheesy and predictable but I have a lot of time of cheesy and predictable things. I mean, I still love to watch High School Musical so I think it was pretty obvious going in that I would enjoy this film. I would love to watch this film again as it’s a great feel-good film that could be enjoyed by all the family. If you love a good film with beautiful cinematography, musical numbers and wonderful dance routines then this could be the film for you.
Thank you for the review of the musical. The cast is really impressing. I think I will listen to the soundtrack right now. There’s a chance I would like the musical even though it’s predictable because I really enjoyed High School Musical back some years ago! haha 😉 I will give it a try whenever I have a chance!;)
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Thanks for sharing the review. I still haven’t seen it but am planning to go this weekend. I can’t wait!
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We were actually just watching the trailer for this. I think this will be our next date night movie.
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I love musicals! I am surprised I haven’t heard of this one. Especially since it has such a stellar cast! Thanks for your review, it makes me want to see it. Plus any chance to see Hugh Jackman is a bonus!
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This sounds like fun Ellie and I’ve always loved musicals. There’s just something about them that makes me smile deep down inside. I’ll see if we can download it sometime this week.
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I’m going to watch this next friday and I’m super excited! I know it’s a bit cheesy and almost anybody can guess the story but the premise is just fun and the actors are really good! I haven’t heard the soundtrack either because I really want to experience the whole thing during the movie! ^^
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Great review! Makes me want to go and watch it even more now! x
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I have actually seen this movie advertised on a side of a bus in London yesterday and I was actually wondering if it was a movie or a play (I have to admit, seeing High Jackman on a London stage would have been too good to be true, haha). I find the story intriguing and the way the film is made reminds me of the same madness set of Moulin Rouge. I think it would be interesting to watch.
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I like Hugh Jackman but as you also mentioned, even I am not a big fan of his singing. I like your review, we were planning to check this movie out next weekend, your review is helpful.
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I am dying to see this movie! We tried to go this past weekend, but when we got there we realized it was sold out! I was so bummed!
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This sounds like a really great movie. I haven’t gone to a movie in over a year (kids). We may have to check this one out if we get a date night soon!
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Cheesy and predictable isn’t always bad as you’ve said, I think this sounds really interesting. I’m not really into musicals but I would give this a go!
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Oh Wow! I really want to see this! My husband mentioned it some time ago. We got to see it before it leaves the theaters.
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I have heard so much about the greatest showman! so many people have seen it and loved it! cheesy is good sometimes!
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Thanks for a very detailed review. I haven’t seen it yet, but many of my friends have enjoyed it. And who cares if you can’t sing well, sing anyway 😉
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I haven’t see the greatest showman yet but I need to watch it asap. I have to be honest I skimmed the review a little bit because I wanted to avoid spoilers, I can’t wait to see it.
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I keep reading good things about this movie but have yet to see it! It also seems like there is more history and storyline to it than what I’ve seen on the commercials on tv, I just might actually watch it now!
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This is a really great review. I have to admit that I haven’t really been interested in this film because I don’t like most musicals and I’m not a fan of the circus because of its mistreatment of animals. I won’t say your review has changed my mind, but I though get it was well written.
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That is a nice review! Sounds like a fun event. I haven’t seen this yet, but i am planning have a try by next week. I hope I can see this.
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That is such a great review. The cast is really impressing. I need to listen to the soundtrack right now. I can’t wait to see it.
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Wow this musical sounds really beautiful…the cast is also splendid..will definitely try to catch it if i can..
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I would find this movie super fascinating. I spent some time working for a circus. I didn’t travel, but it was a part of my world for a bit. I love that he learned that diversity should be celebrated.
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Thanks for the review. I love musicals but have been out of the movie loop for a while. I’m going to check it out.
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Not sure if you’ve seen my review, but I love A Million Dreams too! Other songs like “Never Enough” and “The Other Side” are very nice too!
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What an honest review. I do really love to attend and to watch some musical show. and it seems you really enjoy it.
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I’m off to see it this weekend – better late than never!
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