A Most Enjoyable Show

Rating: 9/10 (13 January 2018)

Splashy and entertaining original musical based on the life of circus master P.T. Barnum. The biopic depicts him as a saintly protector of misfits which is contrary to what history books say that he was a vulgar man who exploited people and held little value for animal rights. If you excuse the movie's inaccurate sanitized details of his life and assess it as a creative product, you will find many elements to love. Among them are the memorable songs courtesy of Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, who were partly responsible for the award-winning song City of Stars from La La Land as well the stage play Dear Evan Hansen, the production design, whirling cinematography, robust choreography, engaging performances from Hugh Jackman, Zac Efron, Michelle Williams and Keala Settle. Jackman is a bit old for his role as the greatest showman but his pure energy and commitment make up for it. Efron enjoys one of his better works in years (remember that debacle called Baywatch?) while Williams is lovely and always watchable. Settle almost steals the movie with her powerful vocals. There are parts which are reminiscent of Moulin Rouge which happens to have been directed by another Australian. This is one of the few times that a movie could have used more running time to dig deeper on Barnum's motivations in making the greatest show on the earth.