Eeeeh... reality check...

Rating: 7/10 (15 September 2018)

I hate musicals. Can't stand the damn things. I switched off La La Land when the second song began and never went back to it. A pox on A-list actors trying to sing, I recall saying at the time. So it came as a bit of a shock, then, when I not only sat through The Greatest Showman (because my kids wanted to watch it), but tolerated it in decent humour and even, when it finished, found that I'd actually enjoyed it.
The cinematography is simply outstanding. Every scene is a little work of art, clearly very well thought through and meticulously planned and co-ordinated. The story - while probably slightly shy of the actual historical events - is entertaining and keeps the viewer interested throughout. Even the songs (bane of my life when musicals are mentioned, let it end, let it ennnnnnnnnd!!) were rather good.
All in all, the film didn't suck. I wanted it to, but it didn't. Certainly worth a watch for any old cynics like myself who enjoy occasionally being pleasantly surprised.