Wonderful film

Rating: 8/10 (17 April 2018)

I decided to watch this film on a cheap Tues. night by myself. I attend with any expectations; I heard about it through my cousins.
*if you really don't like what you read in the negatives, and want to move on to another comment, quickly scroll down to positives. TRUST ME. Don't be in a bubble, and try to think critically. That is not to suggest my analysis is correct, it is an opinion. Now proceed.
Negatives:
1. The film was a roller-coaster of emotions that went up and down. "We're poor, now we're rich!"; "We're neglected, now we're accepted!"; "Our building burned down, thanks for the money partner!" "You cheated on me, I love you again!" I missed some more, but I think the point was made. It lacked a more meaningful build-up.
2. The film structure is poor. Related to above comment. Many themes
3. The lyrics in most of the songs seem like they were rush-written. ex. "They can say, they can say it all sounds crazy." - 'A Million Dreams'. Really? Just seems lazy
In general, I actually agree with most of the initial criticisms after theatrical release.
HOWEVER
Positives:
1. In this political climate, where there appears to be more division than before, this film is almost universally liked by the common man, like myself, on BOTH sides of the isle. So to spin the 1st negative, it had enough themes to appeal to most people AND make each other think more thoughtfully about a different P.O.V. I can appreciate that.
Couple examples: Someone that leans right may look at the down-trodden differently with more kindness. They can accept unique people for who they are. Someone that leans left may look at wealthy business-people differently and trust they have good motives and others interests at heart - entrepreneurship.
I used to detest just about every SJW, but now I look at them as people with good motives. As a political junky, I've been guilty of boxing myself in my own world. Seriously, this film helped.

2. Again related to the first one. The themes and morals in the film are relevant and good. The audience was taken through P.T. Barnum's LIFE; therefore, there were just enough themes. Too many for a film, but enough for a life. Most people, particularly in America, can identify with them as well. So it will make people feel good and want to identify with the characters (whichever they prefer to). Entrepreneurism, uniqueness of people, class division, working together, raising a family, love for your spouse, acceptance, thinking differently, following your dreams, not meeting other peoples expectations.
3. The messages in the songs and the musical composition. After all, it is a musical. "A Million Dreams" is probably my favourite song. I'm a carpenter that works for a general contractor. I live in greater Vancouver and want to become an independent contractor, even start a "tiny home" building business. This song has the ability to make me think.
4. Spectacular choreography and visuals. Very ideal to watch in theatre.
Speaking for myself and as a Christian, I can appreciate that there are Christian principles and values embedded in the themes, as they mostly are in Western society.
What is really remarkable is the leginess of this film. Here in Canada, it remained in theatres for 3.5 months. It's rated #1 for smallest drop in box-office. That goes to show how widely like "The Greatest Showman" is and the power of word-of-mouth.
I left the theatre disappointed. A week later, I wanted to see it again.
"The Greatest Showman" is a feel-good movie for everybody, which is good at this present time and is what audiences need once-in-a-while.