i've seen this movie 7 times

Rating: 10/10 (26 October 2018)

The Greatest Showman directed by Michael Gracey (IMDB Greatest Showman) is like a fever dream of catchy sing-alongs, swirling colors, daring cinematography, and uncaged passion... in a good way. The movie, in the form of a musical, is based off the founding of the Barnum and Bailey Ringling Bros. Circus. It isn't just the incredible voices behind each musical scene, but the acting that goes along with it that ties this movie together.
We haven't seen Hugh Jackman (P.T. Barnum) in a musical since 2012 when Les Miserables premiered (IMDB Les Miserables). Where have you been Hugh? His voice has the perfect balance of pitch and rasp and in harmony with the rest of the chorus, still stands on its own. This is especially seen in one of the final numbers, From Now On, when he is running through the streets of New York City but his voice is still tied to the party in the bar.
The supporting characters really made the movie. Can we take a minute to appreciate the bar scene between Hugh Jackman and Zach Effron? All eyes should be focused on the dueling voices of the two leading men, but my eyes were instantly drawn to the skilled hands of the bartender (split-cast Daniel 'Cloud' Campos and Rod Roberts). He/They had skill. Whether it's the simultaneous bottle flipping and drink slinging or the insane ability to do this along to the beat, they definitely had more personality than either of the other two actors during The Other Side. Complimenting this scene was the costume design chosen by Ellen Mirojnick. Along with the battling voices was the contrast of red and blue.
The opening and closing scenes were particularly stunning. We started with Hugh Jackman striking a Bob Fosse- like pose in the shadows and flipping the tail of his coat, or Zach Efron doing knee spins surrounded by a whirlwind of activity. There was so much to enjoy, but it was a little difficult to focus on one specific performer. That's the circus for you. The glittering costumes, unique choreography, and complete individuality of each character in the circus didn't appear disconnected in anyway. The CGI animals were a great substitute for the real deal due to the unhealthy nature of using animals in movie productions. They tied both scenes together and really created the actual feelings of joy, excitement, and expectancy of being in the audience of the Ringling Bros. Circus.
Passion bleeds from this movie. Love is intertwined in every fiber of it. Whether it's a daring trapeze act with two lovers embracing high above the ground or a shared moment of magic in a dilapidated old house, there is love. The singing and dancing are no different. In every number, the facials and energy are hard hitting and honest. This is seen in Keala Settle leading the charge through the snow in This Is Me and Rebecca Ferguson's real tears and quivering lip during the reprise of Never Enough. The movie touched on issues of race, prejudice, and inequality despite being set in the 1840s. Interracial love and the problems that come with are displayed in not only one scene but four. There's determination from both of the actors and the tension seems real. The best example of this scene is Rewrite the Stars where a Romeo and Juliet like defiance of destiny reaches its peak and we are all very much here for it.
I definitely give this movie two thumbs up and a smile because I dare the box office to make $434 million off of another musical. See this movie. You'll love it.