The Greatest Showman ****

Rating: 8/10 (30 January 2018)

The Greatest Showman is musical that tells the story of P.T Barnum (Hugh Jackman) as he creates the circus and instigates start of modern show biz in this glitzy Hollywood singalong.
We see P.T Barnum's story unfold from a toddler to the entrepreneur that creates the world's first circus creating a home and business for anyone of life's out cast to come to and be celebrated for their individual uniqueness. Whether it's the bearded lady, the Irish Giant, the dog boy or world's fattest man they now become the stars of the show!

The narrative structure is stronger than one would have expected and carries the story at a good beat, which is not always the case but pleasant viewing here.

The cast lead by the enthusiastic Jackman who you can tell is loving every minute of this opportunity to flex his singing and dancing talents is on top form performing his socks off wit the energy like his first year in Drama school. Backed up with a strong cast like Zac Efron who has less to do than Hugh but still shows his strong High School Musical routes and joins in the film effortlessly.
With a great cast and catchy songs any lovers of the genre who were sat on the fence with LA LA LAND can rest assured this musical knows what it's doing and performs the genre majestically.
Some Critics have said the film's rebranding of the true life story deflects from the real life gritty aspects but I honestly think the glitzy make over with Hugh Jackman in the lead would get the approval of the spot light loving Barnum.
With strong messages about outcasts, lower classes vs higher classes, snobbery and acceptance the film advocates good morals and life lessons.
A great feel good modern Hollywood Musical at it's best.
As the film quotes
"The noblest art is that of making others happy"
-- P. T. Barnum
And in this day and age that ain't no bad thing.