The true story of P.T. Barnum, who created show business and
​the modern day circus as a way for people to escape everyday life.

BIOPIC/DRAMA/MUSICAL

The Greatest Showman (2017)

Directed by Michael Gracey

Written by Jenny Bicks and Bill Condon

Starring Hugh Jackman, Michelle Williams, Zac Efron,
​Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Keala Settle, Sam Humphrey

Oscar Nominations - Best Original Song (This Is Me)

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Connor Eyzaguirre

December 30, 2017

9/10

The Greatest Showman celebrates the creation of show business by showing off a sensational musical with an uplifting and motivational tone. Having been a dream project of Hugh Jackman's for almost ten years, The Greatest Showman goes the extra mile to dazzle the audience with catchy songs, larger-than-life characters, and stellar music. With the creation of the circus, P.T. Barnum knowingly gave birth to the future of entertainment. I believe movies, television, pop music, and so much more can be traced back to P.T. Barnum's take on showmanship and imagination. He gave people a way to escape the humdrum of their everyday lives, and he gave the differently-abled of the time a chance at a real life. Though the film glosses over some of Barnum's more hackneyed and cruel moments, The Greatest Showman focuses more on the lighter side of Barnum's life and the man in the spotlight he dreamed of being.

Hugh Jackman portrays P.T. Barnum with delightful enthusiasm, leading a strong cast through the tale of one of history's most unique figures. It's fun to see Jackman star in such an optimistic musical, as he steals the show in every scene. Michelle Williams, Zac Efron, and Zendaya are all phenomenal as well, especially during their respective musical numbers. The songs are the real star here, with the beautiful soundtrack having been written by the lyricists who penned La La Land. You can feel the same skill and soul behind the lyrics of every song. They brought tears to my eyes.

I adored every second of this amazing glimpse into the life of a remarkable human being who was so ahead of his time. P.T. Barnum foresaw the future of entertainment and we have him to thank for all the happiness we've all felt from show business. I feel like Barnum's story could only be told via a musical filled to the brim with joy, hope, and a charm only Hugh Jackman can bring to a leading performance. Here's wishing The Greatest Showman best of luck come awards season.