Wonderful

Rating: 9/10 (28 January 2018)

I'd like to make one point on this right off the back: I usually try to take it easy on critics when there's a discrepancy between them and the public view of a film, but they are legitimately hard to trust on this one. Mainly, because many take themselves far too seriously and can't get over that one of the main sources of conflict is from a stuck up theater critic. What's rich is how little self awareness they have, as when they complain to no end about a critic acting like a miserable snob in a movie, they're pretty much proving the movie right.
Critics who immediately find the need to dislike a movie based on whether or not it has a snobby critic character, I implore you: take a look in the mirror and learn how to laugh at what you see. You'll find yourself much happier with your life.
The only other complaint I see about the movie is that it's not historically accurate. Which... I mean... if you have a problem that the movie where everyone breaks into a musical number whenever they're feeling an emotion might not tell the exact story of what went down 100% accurately, I weep for your family.
Now, the movie: it's great. Really great. In fact it's one of the most enjoyable experiences I've had in a movie theater in a long time. I can't remember the last time I walked into a theater and was out in a brisk hour and 45 minutes, but I wish it was the case more often.
In just that amount of time, the movie had everything: it had enjoyable and relatable characters, solid comedy, drama, conflict, development and yeah musical numbers that holy crap, were actually good and enhanced the production more than it hurt it. I had a smile on my face when I was meant to, I felt tension was I was meant to and I was fully invested in every moment, even as someone that isn't typically fond of musicals.
The film is lead by the typically brilliant Hugh Jackman, who you originally think will annoyingly enter the realm of an ultra-romanticized saint of a human being only for the film to turn around and show moments of weakness. You begin to see his obsessive devotion to becoming universally renowned, and the mistakes that he makes as a result. This may not be an accurate portrayal of the real human, but it is an unmistakably human story and Jackman delivers it perfectly.
Also effective in the film to my shock and awe is Zac Efron. Ever since my mom used played 17 Again on loop while I was living with my parents, I've deliberately avoided his films out of sheer contempt for my own Vietnam flashbacks. But damn, this guy is good. He can sing, he can dance and can sure as hell act. Respect.
I can continue to point out the actors who did a great job with their performances, but the truth is, they are all great. Go on imdb and place your finger on a random cast member. They were great in the movie. Guaranteed.
You would expect this movie to be primarily driven by Hugh Jackmans character, and that's only true to an extent. Ultimately this is a film about acceptance, no matter your race, gender or any other quality that makes you different. A bit obvious, sure, but it works in the musical genre. To that end though, as much as the film was carried by Hugh Jackman, it was equally carried by his band of colorful characters. Their mutual story of finding a purpose and acceptance through Barnum's circus is well told and well performed by each and every one of them. The bearded lady was especially a standout. Her musical number "This is Me" received an ovation after it was over. It's available on YouTube but the context of the movie is what really makes it a moving piece.
I didn't give the deserved ovation after the particular musical performance because I'm shy, but allow me to do my part and give it a standing ovation now. Wonderful film.