Too much and too shallow

Rating: 3/10 (18 May 2020)

The Greatest Showman isn't really a movie since movies have character arcs and a plot. This is just hysterically flat characters being hysterical, whether its their acting or singing. And I know it's a musical and musicals are usually more extravagant. I don't mind that, but not in this extreme overdrive, please. The pacing is at lightning speed. Not a moment passes by where a character reflects on what's happening or takes time to make a choice. I seriously had no clue at times what I was watching because of the rushed pacing.
This reflects in the production design, costumes and visual effects as well. Its all too bright, glamourous and above all superficial and flat. The movie has no second or third layer in it's message. It's all in your face "look at this and feel like this". That doesn't work for me. A film is supossed to be influential on a subtle level. This isn't. The message of the movie is a great one, inclusion of all types of people, but presented in such a bombastic way that it completely surpasses its goal. Not a single character is relatable since there is no history or further explanation. The characters are flat and don't react naturally to the events happening to them. You might think that I'm just not a fan of extravagant musical-movies but I absolutely adored La La Land for its characters and subtle use of music. This is quite the opposite.