THE GREATEST SHOWMAN (2017) Review
Directed by Michael Gracey
Catchy songs in showstopping performances lifts the rather plain story inspired by the life of P.T. Barnum.
Upon seeing the film, I was already excited for its great feedback from my friends. And though the reviews are not as good as I heard it would be, it didn’t bother me because I have a good feeling I was in for a great show.
And I was.
The film tells the story of Phineas Taylor Barnum (P.T. Barnum, played by Hugh Jackman), his perseverance in getting out of poverty to have a better life for his childhood love Charity (Michelle Williams). He may got out of being a tailor’s assistant and got the woman of his dreams but everything that’s happening with him and his family isn’t the life he promised for them. And so, he went on to do the impossible and begin his journey on becoming the greatest showman.
Musicals suppose to amaze its viewers, but more than that, the core of every movie or every play is its story. Yes, The Greatest Showman is shallow and doesn’t acknowledge enough the difficulties Barnum and his family is going through but the jaw-dropping musical numbers make up for all the things the film lacks.
It’s pure entertainment, a feast for the eyes and ears and a feel-good film, the story of P.T. Barnum in The Greatest Showman may be forgettable but the songs will stay.
4 OUT OF 5 STARS
“The Greatest Showman” is now showing in cinemas and IMAX (2D) Theatres nationwide from 20th Century Fox. Rated PG by the MTRCB.