The Greatest Showman released Dec. 20 2017. With stars Hugh Jackman, Zac Efron and Zendaya and a budget of $84 million, expectations were set high by many. Popcorn in hand, I settled into a seat in the middle row of the theater and prepared to be astounded.
However, I was completely and utterly disappointed. As an avid Broadway geek, musical movies always catch my attention. After seeing the promising trailer for The Greatest Showman on all forms of social media, I added it to the top of my Must See list. However, I knew from the opening scene that this film would not come close to living up to my expectations.
The Greatest Showman was inspired by the life P.T. Barnum, who is recognized as the father of show business, and his creation of Barnum & Bailey Circus. Barnum, played by Hugh Jackman, grew up on the streets, and looked for magic around each corner. Years later, with a few strokes of good luck, Barnum opens a circus with his family in New York City. His original band of circus misfits include the bearded lady, two trapeze artists, and a midget and things seem to be going well for him. That is, until, his becomes obsessed with his newfound fame.
Many aspects of the film seemed to be off-kilter. The cringe-worthy transitions from speaking to song were unpleasant at best. Additionally, the plot had major loopholes that left me confused and anxious. One moment Barnum is touring America with oprah singer Jenny Lind and the next his circus has burnt down and his wife and children have left him. Character development fell short, resulting in sharp plot twists as Barnum goes from embracing his band of circus freaks to ignoring them at a high end party. The movie portrayed Barnum as a selfish idiot, and I found myself rooting against him throughout the entirety of the movie.
The one solace in The Greatest Showman was the music. My aforementioned musical mind came alive to the songs “The Greatest Show” and “Rewrite the Stars.” The musical numbers were memorable, and I must admit I have added some of the songs to my Spotify playlist.
Perhaps I am too tough a critic. I recently spoke with friends who raved about The Greatest Showman, calling it “the best movie” they had ever seen. I invite you to go see the film and form your own opinion. But, don’t be surprised if you find yourself walking out of the theater an hour into the movie, my dad did the same thing.
