Interesting, invigorating feast of colour and action

Rating: 9/10 (27 May 2018)

STAR RATING: ***** Saturday Night **** Friday Night *** Friday Morning ** Sunday Night * Monday Morning
In the 1800s, P.T. Barnum (Hugh Jackman), an orphaned, penniless boy from a poor background, marries Charity (Michelle Williams), the daughter of his wealthy foster parents, and travels to the city to start a new life with her. Unable to settle into a boring, humdrum life, Barnum envisions creating the world's first circus, in the shape of a 'freak show', gathering together a group of social outcasts, and getting respected writer Phillip Carlyle (Zac Efron) to help him, until success starts to go to his head...
The musical is a cinematic art form that is enjoyed much more rarely these days, which makes it all the more special when one does roll around. Usually at times like Christmas, such was the case with The Greatest Showman. Director Michael Gracey, making his feature length debut, has chosen an inspiring choice in the shape of Barnum, whose story of bringing a colourful carnival to life certainly provides a lot of potential for rousing musical numbers and colourful dance sequences. But what really seems to be behind this number, made in modern times, is a message of acceptance, with a nod to the LGBTQ movement, in the shape of the bearded woman being part of the story.
It's interesting, given the film's rousing central tune and tone in general, that the central character promotes them in such a politically incorrect way, billing them as a freak show, certainly something that wouldn't be accepted in modern times. But it's the portrayal of Barnum and his attitude to his subjects in general that's the most surprising, being far more motivated for the fame and fortune they can bring him, rather than their feelings or dignity, even side lining his own family as his ego grows bigger. But Jackman still manages to portray him with the nice guy edge that makes most of his roles so personal.
It's a rare musical, and a musical for modern times, and as such is still a nice, pleasant piece of work the whole family can get some nice enjoyment from. ****