Review: The Greatest Showman – “Utterly charming”

The enchanting new musical, The Greatest Showman, brings back beloved musical man Hugh Jackman along with an impressive collection of supporting cast that includes Zac Efron, Zendaya, Michelle Williams, Rebecca Ferguson and Keala Settle.

Jackman stars as P. T. Barnum, a man so desperate to improve his station in life that he puts together a group of outcasts and ‘curiosities’ and creates a circus. The show brings as much controversy as it does intrigued fans. However, the main thing is that it also brings together a group of people who had previously thought they were destined for a life in the shadows.

It’s big, bright and full of theatrical wonder and has a killer soundtrack that is sure to become a big hit with audiences. The songs are, after all, ridiculously catchy. The big anthemic number, This is Me, is perfect motivation for anyone feeling a bit down and in need of a pick-me-up. Equally marvellous is Efron and Zendaya’s number, Rewrite the Stars, which is full of longing and excitement and some really impressive moves from the two young stars. The choreography of the musical numbers is gorgeous and exciting, with a mixture of beautiful comedic timing (reminiscent of classic musicals like Singin’ in the Rain) and big epic showpieces.

The film is delightfully cheesy and yet still manages to be about something of real importance. It’s about people’s need to prove themselves when they’ve been told they’re ‘less than’ for most of their life. It’s also about highlighting our differences and celebrating them rather than trying to hide them away. It’s about family but, above all, it’s about the importance of spreading a little happiness whenever possible.

The Greatest Showman is utterly charming and brings with it so much magic. So embrace the cheese, the beauty and the love and, for a couple of hours, just let it wash over you.

Because The Greatest Showman is pure joy in film.

(Just try not to be thrown when it all kicks off with a young Hugh Jackman stealing a loaf of bread because he’s starving – it’s really not that kind of musical!)

The Greatest Showman is in UK cinemas on 26th December 2017.