10 Stars and Hang the Critics

Rating: 10/10 (14 January 2018)

Is there any job in the world more useless than a movie critic? What makes one person's opinion of a movie any more valid than anyone else's? A movie is proved by the appreciation of the audience-- not a handful of opinionated critics. So in regard to THE GREATEST SHOWMAN... hang the critics and 10-stars ahead!
First let it be said I am not easy to impress. I will call a skunk a skunk without hesitation-- and in these reviews often do. Be it pro or fan-film, if it lacks story, purpose, emotion or benefit... I'll cut it no slack.
The Greatest Showman is not a perfect film-- far from it. In places it jumps the shark (something for which I usually have zero tolerance) and in a couple of scenes breaks out in music when spoken lines would have worked better. That is admitted. It is an imperfect film.
But I don't award 10 stars for perfection; I award it for excellence. It is somewhat humorous paradox that one of the main points made in the film was in regard to a critic who has no joy in life. That is why I give this 10 stars... because of the sheer joy and range of emotions this brings to the audience. This may not be "The Greatest Show on Earth" but it comes close to being one of the most ENJOYABLE films of the past year. It will bring laughter, tears, wonder at the technical achievements and stunt work, and great appreciation for the acting.
Hugh Jackman does a fantastic job in this. I was expecting him to do so based on past work... and in this he does not fail to deliver. The supporting actors are cliche but work very well in their roles. In all honesty, this being primarily a musical with a multitude of characters, besides the main role the actors don't really get a chance to strut their stuff. But their purpose is to support Jackman as P.T. Barnum... and that they do, allowing him to shine as The Showman.
What may delight some while striking others as very odd... is the choice of music and style of choreography. I went in expecting more time-established music appropriate to the era. Instead we find a completely modernized score and dance routines in paradox to the very-well-done antiquated presentation of the costumes and sets. But the audience is introduced to the musical factor from the very beginning of the movie so have no reason to expect any different throughout the rest of the show.
I found myself wondering if this was a Disney film; it very much has that flavor. This is High School Musical to a different drum... but that's okay. I don't know enough about the field to identify the style of music and choreography used; all I know is that it seemed very familiar on all counts. However it was well-accomplished on all counts, so the only reason one might complain would be that they don't personally like that style. Meh, diversity is the spice of life. People are free to like or dislike whatever they choose.
While I will agree that at times both the music and choreography seemed a little "campy" and over-the-top... we have to realize that the main theme of this movie is a man who was over-the-top. Barnum was KNOWN for going to extremes, for pushing the envelope, and yes... for being a little campy. I can't fault a movie for having the flavor of the very person it's representing. Anyone who goes in expecting "Gone With the Wind" simply doesn't get it.
I have given 10-stars here before-- but I withhold them for the very best. In most instances I award them for near-perfection in a film. This time it's different: I rate this 10-stars despite the imperfections. That's kind of the point of the movie, isn't it... the imperfections that make us "glorious"?
It is the first time in a very long time that the theater audience APPLAUDED a film. I heard one elderly man comment on the way out, "This is the third time I've seen this film!" Despite the modern music and contemporary choreography, he loved it. Others were making very positive comments, and still others were criticizing the critics who criticized this movie.
I must agree. I'd watch this again in a heartbeat-- and for me no film gets higher praise than that. Forgive my enthusiasm here, but this film is "glorious".