Hugh
Jackman uses his full array of virtuoso talents as an actor, singer and dancer
in the inspired true story of legendary showman B.T. Barnum, “The Greatest Showman”.
A blended film of music, dance, theater, Cirque du Soleil and melodrama revolving
mostly around the story of BT Barnum, his wife and children, his collection of perceived
societal misfits and his passion to being a financial success.
REVIEW: I could go into the backdrop of what inspired
Barnum to his success but that would take away a significant portion of the
films first 30 minutes in its 1:40 minute running time. What is worth
mentioning is that while Rotten Tomato has the film at about 50% I believe it is
better than that score. And while the film is not great it certainly is a dazzling
piece of work with its beautiful set design and costumes and dance choreography.
But the best thing about “TGS” is the music which simply is phenomenal throughout
the entire film. Inspiring and moving, the songs here are by the same people
who wrote the music to 2016 Oscar Nominated Film “La La Land”, only I think their
work here is far more memorable. I have little doubt that “TGS” will certainly
garner an Oscar Nomination in the Musical Score category and will probably be
the front runner to win as well.
“TGS”
is not meant to be a serious film as it clearly glosses’ and skips over some of
the more controversial aspects to Barnum’s success. Instead it tends to feel
more like a cheer leading homage solely to Barnum’s benevolent qualities and
nothing else. But in the overall arc of the films plot there is a strong meaningful
social aspect to the films story in the way Barnum recruited his odd assortment
of entertainers to be in his “circus”.
Coming
in all sizes, shapes, races, looks and ethnicity, “TGS” makes a very tender point
of the importance of acceptance of people. And while Barnum’s motifs may have
been to make a lot of money he openly embraced to his own peril a lot of people
who were shunned by society for their odd looks. His circus idea helped bring them
out of the shadows and into the light of humanity. And by doing so he helped give
a lot of good people the feeling of self-worth and self-respect as equals in
the arena of humanity.
“TGS”
is a satisfying and luminous film in a tight entertaining package.
3.25 Stars
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