The Greatest Showman (PG)

An old fashioned Hollywood musical is currently on general release telling the story of Mr. PT Barnum, who was the originator of popular showbusiness.  Barnum was incredibly ambitious but also perpetually broke, and he came from the poor side of America’s streets in the middle of the 19^th century.   He has a childhood sweetheart, Charity, from the wealthy side of life, and he clashes angrily with her father.  Barnum has ambition to provide circus entertainment for the masses featuring unusual characters.  He takes many risks with many ups and down to achieve this ambition and also to continue true love with Charity.  Along the way he meets two people, young writer, Phillip Carlyle, played by Zac Ephron and opera singer, Jennie Lind played by Rebecca Ferguson, who will help him change the world of entertainment.
The movie, ‘The Greatest Showman’ is colourful with a lot of singing and dancing around the lavish sets that were specially built to depict new theatre in 19^th century America, and is now showing in Athlone IMC.  The movie had a stage feel throughout, and it didn’t leave that aside.  The music is so-so, but the Oscar nominated song, ‘This Is Me’, is of good quality, writes David Flynn.
The movie is reminiscent, but not as lavish as Moulin Rouge in 2002, or as cinematic as La La Land in 2017.
Hugh Jackman was excellent in the role, and proved that despite pushing 50, he could play Barnum at all stages of his interesting life.  It was good to see Michelle Williams (Charity) back in a good role.  Zac Ephron was a surprise star as Carlyle, and proved he’s capable of producing a good performance with an interesting role.  Rebecca Ferguson is a star who is only beginning to peak, and should have many good roles ahead of her in the future.
The Greatest Showman’s a very watchable movie, due to the visually pleasing sets and also the talented supporting cast, ie Sam Humphrey as Tom Thumb, Keala Settle as Lettie Lutz and Zendaya as Anne Wheeler.  However there could be more depth in the story of the life and works of PT Barnum.  The set is the real focus of the feature, and it’s a relaxing feature to watch.