A dazzling and fun showcase of Jackman's talents as an actor and an interesting look into the life of its main subject

Rating: 8/10 (19 April 2018)

The Greatest Showman is a musical drama film loosely based on the life of circus showman P. T. Barnum. Starring Hugh Jackman in the lead role, it is a dazzling and fun showcase of Jackman's talents as an actor and an interesting look into the life of its main subject.
In New York City, P. T. Barnum (Hugh Jackman) lives with his wife Charity (Michelle Williams) and two daughters in a basic house working a menial office job. Despite their relatively simple life, Barnum has ambitions for greater things and after losing his job, he takes out a huge loan from the bank to start his own wax museum of oddities and freaks. After slow business, Barnum's daughters suggest showcasing "living" exhibits and so decides to recruit real life performers for his museum, eventually leading to a high number of attendance from curious spectators.
There's no denying The Greatest Showman has irresistible dance numbers, memorable songs, and an interesting plot, but unfortunately the story does feel predictable at times and some of Barnum's circus performers feel annoyingly underdeveloped. It's a shame the film does not focus enough on personalities of the other performers, outside of the fact that they're human beings rather than "freaks of nature". Despite this, the acting from its cast is solid, particularly Hugh Jackman in the title role, who is a delight to watch from his energetic presence to his dramatic sincerity. As far as modern musicals go, this is one of the best.
I rate it 7.5/10