Genre: Musical/Biography
Related films: Moulin Rouge, The Mighty Barnum,
By Leanne Harragan
From the imagination of P.T Barnum comes a musical that tells the story of a man who found fame and became a worldwide sensation.
Having seen this trailer for weeks and weeks I was very excited to see this one. The production value looked fantastic and I was not disappointing; everything was so well polished and you could see that a lot of effort went into making it look a certain way. Every single dance number was flawless and I especially loved the scenes in the bar, when props were involved in the routine. I also really loved the dance between Zendaya and Zac Efron which used the hoops and tightropes that her character was so talented in. Every scene was fine-tuned to make it look the best it possibly could - from the movement of sheets in the wind, to the shadows bouncing off the light, to the smooth transition from camera angle to camera angle.
While the film is completely cheesy and sugar-coated I couldn't help but to fall straight in love with it. From the opening song to the final moments I was hooked and couldn't look away. I'm hooked on the soundtrack to this film, especially the powerful song 'This is Me' sung by the incredible Keala Settle playing the bearded lady Lettie Lutz. I also really loved 'Never Enough' sung by the equally incredible Loren Allred. I could honestly go on and on about the soundtrack as each song brings something special to the film. I definitely recommend going and checking out the soundtrack with or without seeing the film.
While the plot is a little predictable at times and despite a lack of character development (for most of the characters), these issues are completely forgivable because of the overall feel-good nature of the film. At a time when being different in looks or race left you cast out, Barnum brings the rag-tag group together to prove that anything can be achieved when you work together.
The cast worked hard to make this film the success that it is, you can feel the passion come through the screen. It's hard to pick out a single performance when everyone involved was wonderful. I really loved the chemistry between the charming Hugh Jackman and Michelle Williams and also between Zac Efron and Zendaya. Finally I really loved the passion that came through from Rebecca Ferguson during 'Never Enough.'
While it's is completely cheesy and pretty fantastical, it is a wonderful feel-good film with an incredible soundtrack. Easily the best musical I have seen in a long time.
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