Directed by: Michael Gracey
Starring: Hugh Jackman, Michelle Williams, Zac Efron, Zendaya, Keala Settle and Rebecca Ferguson
Written by: Jenny Bicks and Bill Condon
Cinematography: Seamus McGarvey
Music and Lyrics by: Benj Pasek and Justin Paul
Rating: 5/5 Unicorns
When 2017 began, The Greatest Showman was nowhere on my radar. It was not a film that I was looking forward to, nor did I think much about it. I knew that it had a stellar cast and I was curious to see how it would fare at the box office. Weeks leading up to the release, I did not see much promo for the film nor was the film winning critical acclaim. Once released, it had dismal opening. Due to strong word of mouth , the film has had mighty strong legs at the box office. As of now, it has grossed over $100 million at the US box office.
The Greatest Showman tells the remarkable tale of the origin of Barnum & Bailey's Greatest Show on Earth. The film follows P.T Barnum ( Hugh Jackman) journey from rags to riches. We are introduced to his loyal wife Charity (Michelle Williams), his business partner Phillip Carlyle (Zac Efron) and his acts (Zendaya, Keala Settle and Rebecca Ferguson). Unlike most biographical films, The Greatest Showman is a full fledged musical. Any historian will tell you the film took several creative liberties with the film. Does the accuracy matter for the musical? No. All biopics are fictitious in nature, in order for the film to work it all depends on the execution.
The Greatest Showman is not the best film I have ever seen. The pacing of the film felt like each scene was building up to the next musical number. Some aspects of the film were a bit ridiculous, particularly the dialogue. The Greatest Showman is not going to make a believer out of individuals whom hate musicals. Taking everything into consideration, I absolutely adored The Greatest Showman. It does not come as a surprise, I love musicals. I love to be wowed and thoroughly entertained, that is all I ask from a musical. Oh boy, does this film deliver this and more. The Greatest Showman was visually breathtaking and inspiring. The choreography was mesmerizing and the musical numbers were spellbinding. I have been obsessively listening to the soundtrack since I walked out of the theater.
If you want to be transported to a time of magic and romance, The Greatest Showman is for you.
