The Greatest Showman is... Overrated and Definitely Not Mind Blowing.

Rating: 3/10 (20 July 2018)

I originally had no desire to see this film. I mean, Zac Efron flailing around in a circus? Not my cup of tea. But absolutely everyone I talked to that had seen it told me it was "sensational!" So, I tried it...
One thing everyone agreed on was that it had amazing choreography. Let me tell you, Disney Channel films have better dance sequences! They try to create the illusion that the choreography is epic by hiding the truly simple dance moves behind elaborate set pieces and dozens of extras. The singing is also nothing special. The main problem is that although the film takes place in the 1800's, most of the musical numbers are worthy of recordings by Demi Lovato and Justin Bieber! That's part of the "Magic of the Movies." When a film is set in another time era, you get to be transported there and experience it. Also, Jenny Lind's catchy tune 'Never Enough' is masked as inspirational; it is actually about a spoiled brat that is basically never content.
Another flaw is that pretty much nothing in the movie happened in real life. But, if you are going to make it unrealistic, you might as well give it a heartfelt story. The writers almost achieved this in the very beginning, creating a blossoming friendship/romance between P.T. and his future wife, Charity. But as soon as the circus came along, their relationship was practically forgotten and it was all about Zac Efron. The movie would have been better if it focused more on Barnum's family life and the circus was a side story.
The only mildly talented cast member was Hugh Jackman, whose singing voice actually didn't make me want to scramble for earplugs, although my father kept asking when he would use his claws.
So, if you're wanting to see a truly beautiful and moving musical, I recommend 2012's 'Les Miserables.' As far as 'The Greatest Showman' is concerned, spare your eardrums from Keala Settle.