IN CINEMAS NOW | Original musical 'The Greatest Showman' starring Hugh Jackman
'The Greatest Showman' is inspired by the story of P.T. Barnum, who started the Barnum & Bailey Circus and the lives of its attractions.
'The Greatest Showman' is certainly a crowd pleaser, and a great alternative for moviegoers who don't feel like venturing into a galaxy far, far away this summer. Apart from its amazing musical compositions and brilliant vocal performances (a triple-threat cast that can actually sing, dance, and act), Hugh Jackman gives a standout performance - proving himself the true showman of the film.
Jackman is supported by a top-notch cast in Zac Efron as Philip Carlyle (who finally returns to his singing roots (remember Disney Channel's 'High School Musical'?), Zendaya (who is getting some serious acting roles at the moment) as Anne Wheeler, Michelle Williams as Barnum's wife Charity, and Rebecca Ferguson as Jenny Lind.
Out of all the supporting cast, however, the best stuck with Keala Settle as Lettie Lutz - the bearded woman with a voice beyond words. Her leading performance of 'This Is Me' is Oscar-worthy and gives Jennifer Hudson's 'Dreamgirls' performance ('And I Am Telling You') a run for its money. It is strong and empowering, and one of the standout performances from the film.
Jackman has been involved with the film for more than seven years of its development, mainly due to the fact that studios were not willing to take a risk on an original musical. But, thanks to the success of 'La La Land', 'The Greatest Showman' got its chance, with Pasek and Paul creating one of the best original musical soundtracks in the last decade.
With the film only released seven months after the real life circus ceased operations, it's a shame to see it receive mixed reviews. Despite its superb original soundtrack, some critics have described 'The Greatest Showman' as "faux-inspiring and shallow", with viewers lingering on the cusp of marginally enjoying the film and falling head-over-heels love with it. Though understandable with it's troubling romanticism of Barnum (a worrisome protagonist in himself), some artistic licence should be accepted for the sake of good entertainment.
In essence, 'The Greatest Showman' is not a traditional biographical film, but a breathless, high-energy fantasy that is all about that sleight of hand, a bunch of tall tales, and some slick fast talking, creating the illusion of what Barnum was.
The cast bring an energy that is incomparable, truly carrying the film from start to finish. It is a film that will stay with you long after it is finished, despite the sometimes clunky storytelling, really drawing viewers into its world.
'The Greatest Showman' will definitely put a smile on the entire family's face this Christmas and New Year.
'The Greatest Showman' is in cinemas now!
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