The traveling circus of P.T. Barnum is world renowned but lesser known is the story of how the big top came to be. What better way to dramatize the story of one of the originators of showbiz then to use the trifecta of entertainment, a musical. Highlighting the rough and ragged story of overcoming poverty through the use of music, dancing, and acting from some of today's top talent. "The Greatest Showman" stars Hugh Jackman recounting life defining moments in Phineas Taylor Barnum's childhood and adolescence working as his father's assistant tailoring clothing for the wealthy class families. P.T. watches the wealthier families in admiration and is always attempting to understand how some families have much while he must steal meals and barely get by in order to survive. As he matures P.T. Barnum is constantly scheming ways to make his life a success for himself and his own growing family. It is not until he is laid off from his job on his daughter's birthday where P.T. realizes the true calling for his existence and puts everything he has in collateral for making his dreams of providing a perfect life for his family come true.
Initially, the viewer may be put off by the seemingly cheesy music numbers throughout the movie's opening scenes but, once settled in, the mood and effects of the set along with the remarkable costumes link with one another and give the audience a welcoming and realistic ambiance. Hugh Jackman performs up to par with easy to read facial expressions that are believable and not overly dramatic. Michelle Williams plays P.T. Barnum's on screen wife and adds a chemistry that feels authentic with a strong presence which provides Jackman's character enough motivation to become the man he was destined to be. P.T Barnum's seemingly incredible ability to build an idea from small details proves why the Barnum Circus became such a powerhouse of entertainment. The ringleader's sheer will to make a successful venture is accurately portrayed while not overcasting the empathy of the true man who P.T. Barnum was, throughout, such as not hiring performers as "sideshows" but rather as Stars themselves. The audience steadily becomes engrossed in not only P.T. Barnum's life and story but also the performers and animals, as one critic of the time describes the show as "...a celebration of humanity".
The musical progresses with songs and dances that repeat the theme of making dreams come to fruition while touching on the topic of overcoming social indifferences. Zac Efron and Zendaya Coleman co star as a vital story enhancer as their characters form an interracial relationship in a time where society was much less accepting of what love supposedly is. Meanwhile as Barnum's success grows in popularity, scandal threatens his family life and the circus truly becomes just that, "a circus", as tension grows between the residence in the area surrounding the show and the performers who are treated as freaks of nature due to their peculiar physical attributes and talents. The plot comes to a head as the show's building erupts into flames and ashes and forces the cast and audience to redefine or perhaps "pre"define the definition of family.
"The Greatest Showman" takes all the elements of modern entertainment into account to create a passionate play of the life of a man who many would say created entertainment. The irony is laughable but the good times are undeniable when watching "The Greatest Showman" as it may be the only way to relive the excitement of a real life circus today but, there is certainly something for all ages in this film. The camera angles and dialogue give it a genuine musical feel while the bright colors and special effects make it a movie you can watch at home but feel like you are watching on the big silver screen in a theater, so hurry, hurry, hurry! Step right up, grab some popcorn, and witness the greatest show on earth!