Review of The Greatest Showman (2017) by Edwin C — 02 Sep 2018

The difference between a good film and a fun film. A good film is good. A fun film is fun but that doesn't necessarily make it good, Suicide Squad for example, it's fun, sure, but is it good? No. See my point? Of course this film is way more watchable than that garbage, this still qualifies as a fun film but not a good film.

Most critics hate this film because of this reason, and I share the same opinion. It is the inaccuracy of the real facts. To those who know the true story of PT Barnum, you'll know that this film doesn't portray the truth. It tries to portray PT as a good person who cares about the "creeps" but in real, he doesn't, it's all just business and dollars.

Zac Efron and Zendaya's characters were fictional and only added to promote interracial love. Jenny Lind never had a scandal with PT, in fact, Jenny quit because she was uncomfortable with PT's obsession on her. Now this is an insult to the real Jenny Lind.

Of course we can defend this by saying it's a musical, in real life they didn't sing every 5 minutes of their lives, so what's wrong with changing facts? It is disrespectful because these people actually existed and made an impact to the world instead of a fictional character.

The plot, what makes it bad for me? The complete ignorance on the serious issues, they skipped most of the emotional parts so quickly to add in more musical numbers. When shit happens, you get interested to see what action the characters make, but no, "let's sing and everything gets better." Visual effects were also terrible. Could easily see the green screen effects.

Now what makes it good for me? Definitely the music, choreography, and cinematography. These 3 things were amazing. Acting wise, Jackman and Williams were great as always, the rest aren't appealing.

Greatest Showman has some of the greatest musical numbers, true. But it didn't have a good structure as a film which makes it a disappointing Oscar bait. I can say I enjoyed it, but I cannot say I loved it. If anything, I think the music is the only reason I'd watch it again.

Favorite Quote: "Theatre critic who can't find joy in theatre, now who's the fraud?".