"Do these smiles seem fake? It doesnt matter where they come from if the joy is real."

Rating: 10/10 (3 January 2018)

Musical movies normally aren't my thing. But after seeing a YouTube clip of Hugh Jackman and the cast, singing their hearts out to the 20th Century Fox executives, trying to get this movie the green light, I was sold.
Hugh had undergone skin cancer surgery for his nose, just the day before he and all the other singers would get together in New York for their big day. And his doctor told him firmly, that he was NOT supposed to sing, or the stitches would come loose. He went anyway for support and being the showman that he is, tried to rally the troops for their battle, without phrasing a single note (with none other than Jeremy Jordan being his voice). All went as expected until the end, where he couldn't hold himself anymore, the whole room exploded and magic....true magic happened. (search for "Hugh Jackman From Now On" on YouTube)
That same magic shined throughout the whole movie, giving me a grin from ear to ear and (probably due to me not getting enough sleep during New Years Eve) a trembling lip and moisty tears. You know, the tears that stay with your forever. The good kind.
That's the impact The Greatest Showman had on me. All the songs were stunning, catchy and upbeat. The cast was phenomenal and their colorful costumes together with their infectious joy made me forget I was sitting in a theater. I can't wait to watch it again!
And to the critics who blast this movie for not being historically accurate: "When was the last time you smiled or had a good laugh? If you as a critic can't find enjoyment in the theater. Now who's a fraud?"