The Greatest Showman
Starring: Hugh Jackman, Zac Efron, Zendaya, Michelle Williams
Directed by: Michael Gracey
Rated: PG
*Hugh Jackman stands on a dimly lit stage. A group of backup dancers begin dancing in slow motion as he sings*
”This is it. It's gonna be a hit.
The time is now so don't you dare back out.
You've waited all year for it to be here.
Are you ready? I said are you ready?
I use to steal bread, now I run the circus instead
Are you ready? I said are you ready?
So put on your glasses and get ready to read
You gotta do it. I beg, no I plead.
I'm so excited there's butterflies in my abdomen
It's Rebecca's review of The Greatest Showman!"
Wow. It was so nice of Hugh Jackman to start my review with that song. He really is the nicest guy in Hollywood!
The Greatest Showman is the latest big musical to be released just in time for the holidays! If you know me at all, you know musicals are my obsession. Hugh Jackman's last Christmas-released musical Les Miserables is a major favorite of mine. So...doesThe Greatest Showman live up to my musical expectations? I'm happy to report it does! This is a vibrant and fun musical that you can't help but love.
Director Michael Gracey has made a beautiful and entertaining musical withThe Greatest Showman. In celebrating the outcasts, he takes us on an uplifting journey. I gotta admit, there are major shades ofMoulin Rouge! in The Greatest Showman. Both films take current music and put it in an 1800's setting. Both use very similar dazzling visual styles. The Moulin Rouge was a facade that existed to entertain the masses. The circus is essentially the same thing. Basically, I'm saying if you like Moulin Rouge, you'll like this.
Hugh Jackman carriesThe Greatest Showman as P.T. Barnum. It's clear he has a Broadway background from the first moments on screen as he begins singing the title track "The Greatest Show". He's a natural performer and this is the perfect way to showcase that. I don't think the film is particularly historically accurate of Barnum's life, but he is portrayed as a dreamer who won't stop until that dream is realized. From there, his circus is born.
Zac Efron plays Phillip Carlyle, Barnum's apprentice. I guess it's just my High School Musical nostalgia kicking in, but I've really missed Zac Efron in musicals. It's so nice to see him in something other than frat bro comedies for a change. Although he doesn't get to sing Bet on It, he gets to utilize his performance skills impressively here.
Zendaya plays Anne Wheeler, a trapeze performer. Her aerial sequences are beautifully filmed. In fact, her duet with Zac Efron stood out as one of my favorite moments in the movie. The two develop a romance in the film and have great chemistry together.
One of my issues withThe Greatest Showman is a subplot involving Rebecca Ferguson's character, Jenny Lind. When Lind enters the film a love triangle is introduced between P.T. Barnum, Charity (his wife) and Jenny Lind that feels too forced and melodramatic.
Speaking of Charity Barnum, Michelle William's plays P.T.'s devoted and kind wife. Who knew she could sing so well? She has a few songs showcasing her vocal talents. It's nice to see Michelle Williams happy in a movie for a change.
The songs in The Greatest Showman are incredibly catchy. They are contemporary pop songs used in a 19th century setting to make the film feel more current. Although many probably aren't a fan of the trend, I love when a movie uses current music in a different time period. It's a bold artistic choice that really works for me. The choreography fits in with each song perfectly.
The Greatest Showman is a dazzling and uplifting musical celebrating the outsiders everywhere. If you're a fan of musicals you don't want to miss it!
My Rating: 8/10