The Greatest Showman review – a dazzling musical extravaganza

So, what’d we think?

The Greatest Showman is a dazzling musical extravaganza with two hunky men at the helm and a cast of wonderfully talented misfits.

When we first picked up this film we bought into the ‘this is the greatest musical ever created, burn all other musicals’ hype that has been parading around the internet for the last few months, and while we didn’t love it on that level, The Greatest Showman did provide some visually stunning weekend entertainment with songs that are still stuck in our head.

The film kicks off with a young Barnum meeting the darling Charity who will eventually become his wife. If you usually find yourself swept up in a love at first sight romance, this is the opening for you. The almost too talented young stars with their angelic voices set up the tone of the film with a beautiful song and dance that bleeds through the years to bring us right up to the moment the adult Barnum and Charity run away to live happily ever after. But things are never that easy.

If you were to look up the term ‘dreams of grandeur’, Barnum would be your poster boy. It is clear early on that he has desires to live a life bigger than his means allow, and with the support of his wife he embarks on a journey to create something unique that will attract the attention of the world. It’s a turn of the century fame game.

After many missteps and failed business ideas, Barnum eventually creates the wondrous Barnum’s Circus which peaks curiosity across the globe. His so called circus is populated with characters whose hearts are the biggest we’ve ever seen. From the bearded lady to the tattooed man, each character serves into the bigger them of the importance of self-acceptance and the notion that no matter your appearance or circumstance, you are worthy.

With a few highs, some low lows, emotional triggers and sweet romantic moments thrown in the mix, The Greatest Showman succeeds in creating a warm, feel-good environment for you to disappear into.

It’s a musical, so let’s chat music.

By now you’ve probably heard the Golden Globe winning song This Is Me blasted over the airways, a song about the importance of realising your self-worth. It’s a ballad-belting song that is both beautiful and empowering and makes you feel good when you’re harmonising with Keala Settle in your car. The rest of the soundtrack is made up of a mix of big showstoppers (From Now On) and romantic ballads (Never Enough) that will get your heart-pumping and leave you feeling warm and fuzzy.

A couple of our favourite tracks:

• A Million Dreams
• Never Enough
• From Now On
• Rewrite the Stars

But, should you see it?

If you’re looking to dive in to a memoir on the life and times of the real P.T. Barnum, you may find this disappointing. While the film uses his life as a backdrop, the liberties taken in retelling his life story have been done so to create a light-hearted film filled with wonder.

The large showstoppers, mesmerising songs and Jackman’s sexy smirk are enough to keep you entertained through this story about following your dreams and self-acceptance.

Buy it yourself to see

See more:

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• The Mercy review
• A Quiet Place review
• Love, Simon review
• 20 epic chick flicks

Written by Monique Renee

Usually barefoot and deep in wanderlust mode, Mon loves binging Netflix, cuddling babies and stalking through Instagram looking for boho decor inspo and hotties with man buns. You’ll usually find her on holiday, planning a holiday or thinking about holidays.

Favourite Instagram to follow: @hotdudesreading