Director: Michael Gracey
Release Date: 2018
Running Time: 1hr 45 minutes
Genre: Drama/Musical
Rating: PG
Format: Theatrical Cinema Release
Synopsis:
Inspired by the imagination of P.T Barnum. An original musical that celebrates the beginning of show business and how it became a worldwide sensation.
Roll up! Roll up! Director Michael Gracey takes us into the magical and magnificent world of the circus! Inspired by the true story of P.T Barnum's sensational creation the Barnum and Bailey Circus and the lives of their incredible star attractions. Barnum takes a leap of faith when the company he works for goes bankrupt, with a bank loan he builds the Barnum American Museum. Enlisting in the help of unique artists including trapeze artists, a bearded lady and the dog boy, the museum soon becomes a hit making ringleader P.T Barnum a household name. This marks the directorial debut of Michael Gracey who up until now was only an animator and visual effects supervisor. Gracey should be highly praised in his first effort as a director.
Directing a musical is a very risky move for any director, particularly those who are new to the art. Although it may have a "High School Musical" sound to it, it works very well as a modern musical. Wonderfully inspiring, the story and the musical numbers have been beautifully executed. Hugh Jackman has proved once again that he is more than just a Wolverine. Fully immersing himself into the role of P.T Barnum, Jackman delivers a tremendous performance. Michelle Williams stars as Barnum's wife Charity Barnum. Strained by the effort that Barnum puts into his circus, Charity remains by is side at all times with their two girls Caroline and Helen.
The characters are what really make this film work. The charming friendship that P.T Barnum forms with playwright Philip Carlyle (Efron), the troubles that each of the unique artists go through, tormented by locals who wish them rid of their town, there is a terrific amount of realism to the story. Jackman shows such true emotion in his eyes that really allows you to feel connected to his character. Efron and Jackman work fantastically alongside one another, sparking off each other brilliantly. You can really feel the magic in their performances. The dance choreography is stunning, it's fantastic to watch, it really makes you feel like you are sat there live watching these incredible artists.
Filled full of outstanding musical performances, "The Greatest Showman" shows true musical originality. Justin Paul and Benj Pasek deliver one of the most inspirational and uplifting scores to ever be heard on screen in recent years. A score so catchy audiences will find themselves rushing home to purchase the soundtrack. A risk worth taking. Beautifully heartwarming, inspiring and packed full of fun. A film you really don't want to miss this coming New Year!
5/5 stars
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