This is the Greatest Show

     

    Who doesn't love the circus? The peanuts, the elephants, the tigers, the tightrope walker. Okay. Okay. I know there are people that don't because of animal cruelty etc. And even though the circus folded back in 2017, the story is still one that I think needs to be shared. "The Greatest Showman" portrays the story of P.T. Barnum and how the circus was created. It is quite an intriguing tale about an interesting man who was a husband, father ran "The Greatest Show on Earth" and upon further research I discovered he was also a minister and a politician! (One busy man apparently!)

    Set in the early 1800's, the story follows P.T. Barnum (Hugh Jackman) it starts as him a child and how he and his later wife were friends even though they weren't allowed to be because of cultural status. Then, fast forward to adulthood it shows him failing at jobs and trying to provide for his wife (Michelle Williams) and later two daughters. He seems to basically fail at everything. So he decides to get a loan from the bank and open up a museum, which isn't extremely successful itself; however, is tweaked time and time again and ends up being the circus we know today. 

      Barnum is someone the audience can see a role model in for hard work, creativity and dedication. He wasn't a perfect man; however, Barnum took on a lot of risk and failed often. Yet, he always kept in mind ways to 'fail forward' which was probably key to his success. You'll see in the film he had a lot of nay-sayers that he ignored and kept doing what he wanted to do. One might say "Wait a minute his circus folded last year" Yea, but, from the time he started his museum to the time it ended it was about 175 years and the circus will never be completely dead,  there are others and spin offs, such as Cirque Soli. I would say his impact to entertainment will never die. 

    The acts of the circus are really the role models they were looked upon as freaks and nobody accepted them and they become stars that people love because they have something to offer the world. I think most of us can find something to relate to in this movie. I never really fit in growing up. I always felt a little different. I would rather sit 3 hours watching a musical than a football game and most guys I went to school with didn't understand that. They excluded and/or bullied me for it. (The females were more accepting of my uniqueness, which is why I often feel more comfortable around females.) 

     The cast is amazing. Jackman I've always thought was talented; but, I've never been overly impressed with anything he's done until now. Williams, I knew she could act; but, she can sing too. You will fall in love with her character, she was the perfect supportive wife and mother. Efron, I knew he had talent as well; but, I feel this movie truly showcased it. Zendaya, I always thought of her as a little girl; but, dang, she's grown up now. She can sing, dance, act, is beautiful, a classic triple threat. (Her legs are a work of art! Don't drool too much men!) The storyline between Zendaya and Efron is quite intriguing as well. Their duet scene where they sing "Rewrite the Stars" is a little steamy; however, it's nothing the kids can't see. They definitely kept it tasteful and everyone keeps their clothes on! 

        This leads me into the soundtrack. It's amazing, once the first chorus kicks in I'm sure you'll be sold on the music. The song "This is Me" that 'The Bearded Lady' sings is incredible. I did research on the actress, she is a broadway star. (Speaking of Broadway, this movie will be in New York soon I guarantee it!) The soundtrack is too amazing not to do something with! I could go on about this movie for days. The costumes are breathtaking. The choreography is phenomenal. The storyline is amazing as well! The cast are all outstanding! You just have to go see it! 

           The success at the box office is very good as well. It's grossed over 220 million in a month and still going strong. The audiences are raving about it; even though the critics are really giving it mixed reviews. Somehow, I think P.T. Barnum wouldn't have it any other way and would love the buzz it's creating. 

            So there ya have it, my two cents. Go watch and enjoy! Like, share and comment below! !