A slightly fictionalised account of the life of circus pioneer P. T. Barnum, with songs by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (creators of the Broadway show Dear Evan Hansen), this film will delight audiences young and old.
It certainly delighted me; I saw this 3 times in the cinema, and have rewatched it several times on Blu-ray now as well.
P. T. Barnum (Hugh Jackman) and his wife (Michelle Williams) are trying to give their daughters (Austyn Johnson and Cameron Seely) a better life than what he had growing up. To that end, Barnum opens a show featuring so-called 'freaks', attractions he believes will draw the paying crowds, anxious to catch a glimpse of things they wouldn't otherwise experience.
He enlists the assistance of playwright Phillip Carlyle (Zac Efron) as an additional backer, and puts on his show to audiences nightly.
It isn't long before the draw of the crowds and the possibility of even more exciting shows and performers sees Barnum neglecting his family in order to pursue his dreams, despite the fact it is for his family's sake he is pursuing them in the first place.
I will leave the rest of the plot for you to discover for yourself; it really is something to behold.
The songs in this film are incredible; Pasek and Paul have such an incredible ability to write songs that will stay with you long after the credits roll, both lyrically and musically. Knowing a bit about composition as I do, I can say they are fans of interesting and unique intervallic leaps.
However, by the end of the film, we have heard some of the tunes reprised several times, and some of the lyrics sung through a few too many repeats. I don't think it's particularly noticeable necessarily, because there are plenty of other things taking your attention.
For one, the choreography (by Shannon Holtzapffel) is genius, and the cinematography (Seamus McGarvey) is also fabulous. The film overall is such an amazing visual and musical spectacle, and these two departments help to cover a 'multitude of sins' as the phrase goes.
Look out too for a marvellous performance by Zendaya as Carlyle's love interest, in a time when interracial relationships were severely frowned upon. Her acrobatic and vocal ability, as well as her acting talents, are truly a wonder to behold.
All the young cast in this film are fabulous as well, and can truly hold their own beside the momentous abilities of the many leads.
I realise there has been a fair amount of criticism regarding some of the glossing over of some of Barnum's more negative history, but really, that's not what this film is all about, and of course there are people who will complain about anything just to have something to complain about.
All things considered, I thought this film was wonderful, and would thoroughly recommend it to anyone who enjoys the escapism of a good musical.
9 out of 10.
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