Movie Review: The Greatest Showman

I watched The Greatest Showman at my sister-in-law’s house because I told her we hadn’t watched it and she just couldn’t believe it. So, they all watched it again so we could watch it. I did not watch it in the movie theater and, instead, I watched it with six kids (four of which knew the lyrics to all songs and couldn’t help but sing along). So, anyway… I still enjoyed it.

I had heard many good things about this movie from several people who kept posting on Facebook and other media how they had loved it and had bought the soundtrack.

I totally agree about the soundtrack. It is pretty great and I have downloaded it, too.

The movie is the story of the first circus through dance and song. Hugh Jackman plays P.T. Barnum who in real life founded the Barnum and Bailey Circus (as I understand, Zac Efron’s character is based on Bailey).

Like many musicals, things not only happen in dance and song (which were wonderfully excecuted), but also tend to skip in story telling, letting the audience figure a lot of things for themselves. And that’s okay. Except, I still felt there was something missing, and although I could understand Barnum’s motivation to do what he ends up doing, it all feels forced and quick. Again, I forgive all of this if I look at it through the lens of a musical and not a movie, but still.

All performers did an amazing job and, in my opinion, Zac Efron did a better job acting, dancing and singing than Jackman did. Many people seem to disagree (like, my in-laws), but that’s my thought.

I do highly recommend this movie, but most of all, I recommend the soundtrack.

cheers!