This movie is the real deal!

Rating: 10/10 (21 March 2018)

I first viewed a trailer for this film last year and instantly knew it was going to be an impressive movie. I've always been a big fan of Hugh Jackman who is an impressive actor and has extensive experience on stage and in front of the camera. He has also shown his ability to sing and act from his remarkable performance in "Les Miserables" in 2012. Jackman is known mostly as his vastly different role as Logan in the Wolverine movies.
In this film Jackman shows that he is as great at dancing as anything else. His charming smile, dashing handsome looks, twinkling eyes and intense performance makes this movie impressive. If I were to describe this film in a single word it would be PIZZAZZ!
I was surprised that this film came about by fairly unknown director Michael Gracey. I'm sure that writer Bill Condon, who also wrote the screenplay to the Academy Award winning musical "Chicago" in 2002, and Hugh Jackman provided valuable direction for Condon. I also need to mention the impressive production design from Nathan Crowley whose credits include "Westworld", "The Prestige" and the Christian Bale Batman movies.
I can't say enough about this film. Incredible costumes, sets, special effects, creative style and stunts made this film an enjoyment from beginning to end.
The story is about young P. T. Barnum living in poverty and striving to provide for his wife and two adorable daughters. Barnum' wife was raised in a well to do environment and Barnum wants to prove himself successful to his wife's father. The character development is effective with a playful approach.
The moment the movie began I was hooked and it only got better. The music, lyrics and dancing complemented and strengthened each other. Within minutes I let myself go in the well told fantasy story. It was both fascinating and enjoyable.
The cinematography, editing and lighting were impressive. The passion and expression that was felt from the characters as they danced and sang was believable and convincing and brought me to tears.
The chemistry between Zac Efron and Zendaya was convincing and emotional. (Not to mention Zendaya performed all her own trapeze stunts) Keala Settle killed it with her angry and passion filled expression as she performed "This Is Me", which won an Oscar for Best Achievement for Original Song. Settle also performed this song and wowed the audience at the Academy Awards.
This movie is the real deal. I haven't enjoyed a movie like this one in some time. The lights, color, choreography, composition and balance of every shot was an artistic masterpiece. Just like a circus there was so many fun and exciting things happening at every given moment I was overwhelmed and couldn't take it all in. I will have to enjoy it a second and third time just to soak in everything I missed the first time.
An exceptional movie has to be one that I feel can not be improved and must not need anything to make it better. I have a difficult time finding faults in this production. The collaboration of artists, actors, decorated and skilled film makers and creative minds make this film simply awesome. It's evident that working together as an effective team can produce magical results.
How this film didn't win best picture and best director over "The Shape Of Water" truly baffles me. We all know that the Academy Awards are very political, but this one stumps me. Now that I've seen the film I completely understand the reason behind Jackman's shocked expression when overlooked at the Golden Globes for Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy. James Franco won the award for, the appropriate titled movie, "The Disaster Artist". Myself, and thousands of others, were left scratching our heads in confusion over that moment.
This movie deserves so much more credit than it has been given. If the 2011 film "The Artist" deserves Best Picture and Best Director, than so does this! It's truly an artistic masterpiece and I am anxious to see it again as soon as possible.