The Greatest Show(man)... Or is it? This is the truth about a movie that hit the big screens with a tremendous amount of support. Does it live up to the responses it has elicited from the public? Or will it fall short of its expectations? With an outstanding cast and a great storyline, this movie is a true family hit. The Greatest Showman is a masterpiece of the director Michael Gracey, who has also had a hand in the movie Ned Kelly (2003). The movie showcases the intriguing life of P.T. Barnum, a world-renowned showman, and the man who founded the Barnum & Bailey circus. The Greatest Showman takes place between the 1850s and 1860s in New York City.  

The cast of this movie was loaded with A-list Hollywood Stars including Hugh Jackman, who plays the main role in the film of P.T. Barnum, teen heartthrob Zac Efron who plays the rich and high-class Phillip Carlyle, and of course Zendaya, who brings the charming character Anne Wheeler to life. Some other notable stars who play a role in this film are Rebecca Ferguson, Lettie Lutz, and Michelle Williams. While the cast of this movie is incredibly talented, I don’t think anybody was expecting the vocal talent this film would bring out of them. Almost every face that graces the screen has some vocal role in the film that sends shivers down the spine. Some of the songs that feature in this bonfire blockbuster include, “This is Me”, “Rewrite the Stars”, and “The Greatest Show”. “This is Me” is a song that has inspired so many people to be themselves and live life the way they want to live it, with no regrets. “Rewrite the Stars” is a cute love song that portrays some of the struggles Phillip Carlyle and Anne Wheeler went through. “The Greatest Show” is an iconic song that has powerful vocals, and represents the mood of the entire movie. Each vocal talent brings something special to the film, and that is a truly special aspect of this movie. The film is loaded with great song after great song, leaving the viewer humming the tunes all day long.

The viewer is first met with a fantasy of a little boy (who the viewer later discovers is none other than PT Barnum) who wants to grow up to be a ringmaster. He comes from a poor family, and when his father dies, he is left with nothing. Heartwarming songs are sung as Barnum embarks on his journey to reach his dream, and become a famous ringman. This movie is full of times that make you want to both laugh and cry at the same time and is also full of important lessons that can be carried throughout many aspects of life. The film portrays just a few the hardships that people of color went through during that time. It displays the message that things will always get better, and that family is the most important aspect of our lives.  A sweet love story is threaded into the plot as well, adding another layer of dimension to the film, which many viewers will enjoy.

The acting in this film can be described as fair. While it was not a super refined movie with ultra-polished acting, it is a cute family film that will without a doubt brighten your day. What the film may lack in acting, it makes up for with music and an intriguing plot. This is not a movie that will leave you feeling cheated out of a few hours (1 hr 46 mins to be exact).

Overall, the movie The Greatest Showman is packed full of great songs and a fascinating storyline. It is perfect for families with young children as well as those with older children. It is a fun, lighthearted film that is guaranteed to brighten anybody’s day. I enjoyed this movie a lot, and will definitely be watching it again soon. If you are looking for a fresh new movie, check out The Greatest Showman.