The Greatest Showman: Chasing the American Dream

Rating: 9/10 (29 December 2017)

Loosely based on the true story of PT Barnum, this is an original and extravagant musical that celebrates the birth of 'show business'.
This tells the rags to riches story of a pioneer who rose from nothing to create a circus of oddities that became a worldwide sensation.
Hugh Jackman plays the circus pioneer, and follows his life from boy to businessman. His poor background drives him to success through some very risky business ventures directly following the loss of his job.
Hugh convinces Zac Efron to quit his highly paid luxurious life to become his apprentice ringmaster. Along the way Zac falls in love with the ethnic trapese artist Zendaya played by Anne Wheeler. Michelle Williams plays his wife. Rebecca Ferguson plays the talented opera singer Jenny Lind.
There are many great catchy musical sequences, with lyrics from the composers of La La Land, the most memorable being "This Is Me" sung by Keala Settle as the Bearded Lady. Great costumes. Great acting. The Greatest Showman is an instant classic but with modern touches. This film celebrates human diversity, is full of colour, emotion and plenty of knee slides.
Professional critics are rating this generally low, while the audiences are rating it high. Don't follow the 'experts', many I presume are just trying to appear intellectual!
See this soon and end the year on a high energy, hugely entertaining climax. Very highly recommended.