It is what it supposed to be about - entertainment.

Rating: 9/10 (23 March 2018)

I have seen a number or reviews that argument over technical points, themes, subplots and pace - besides insulting the music also for extra measure. That's their opinion and they are entitled to give it. Here's mine...
First of all, everyone individually and collectively are great. They all play their parts well. Sub-plots of race, discrimination, family by blood or friendship in the face of adversity and more, are all brought to the screen without laying it on too thick.
In the end, the film centers (like a circus ring) around P.T. Barnum. His aim was to bring entertainment to the masses and also make them switch off from other things if only for a while and also make people smile. In short, entertain them indeed. This is what the film does. It sets out to entertain people about a man that sought to entertain.
Stuff the critics and begrudgers that just don't get this as they try to bit by picky bit, pick the film technical apart. The irony of all ironies - I saw one review that criticised the film because part of it was fictionalised. Did the critics not kop that Barnum originally did this in order to entertain? Clearly that went over the critics heads too! They are so busy looking at the individual parts that they don't see the the whole as a total sum and how the film is also meant to be viewed. It's their loss. For the rest of the world that has 'got it', they have enjoyed the film. Me too.
I started to watch it as there was nothing else to view (I am being honest) and the next thing I know, the film was over. Ten minutes in, the film had me. I loved the music, the showmanship of all - and every part of the film in every aspect. You know you have liked something when you seriously don't notice time passing by. You were simply too busy having fun to notice - as I was having. I liked the soundtrack, the acting, the pace, the sub-plots, etc - the lot.
The film sets out to entertain the world about a man that set out to entertain. What more do critics want for gods sake! Stuff them and join the masses in watching this film for yourself. The many public reviews speak volumes as to how good or bad this show is. It may not be liked by a minority - fair enough - but judging by the masses that have taken time to comment the world over, the likes of this movie far, far out weigh the dislikes. Start watching however and discover how you feel about an entertaining film about entertainment. I suspect you might not regret it!