Ghastly generic songs that failed to work their magic

Rating: 2/10 (8 February 2018)

If you enjoy TV talent and singing shows and things like 'Dancing on ice' or you like chart music, you'll probably like this film.
I hate those things, and to me, every song sounded like it could have been from Frozen. I found the songs tedious, samey and saccharine. Generic dross, totally un-listenable to anyone over the age of 11 or with a modicum of musical taste.
Period wise the costumes were all over the place and I hated the juxtaposition of modern pop songs and contemporary dance in a period setting.
The bar scene towards the end with the stompy song and dance, was the only part of the film I found enjoyable and it did momentarily stop me thinking "make it STOP!". The choreography was excellent and the song was the best in the whole film.
Hugh Jackman was actually very good, but every time a ghastly new song started I inwardly groaned and instantly disengaged. I've never considered leaving a cinema more frequently than I did whilst watching The Greatest Showman.
I loved Moulin Rouge which is the closest film I can think to compare it with, but hated almost every second of this as the terrible music got in the way of me enjoying the film.
Despite having an alright enough story line, ultimately even the fantastical sets and strong choreography couldn't work their magic as everything was overpowered by the dreadful songs.