It's been years since we were given a fabulous original movie musical. Yes, there have been a ton of amazing movie musicals over the last few years (ex: "Beauty and the Beast," "Rent," "Grease," etc.) but those are all movies based on live stage shows and/or new adaptations of a pre-existing film. It wasn't until 2016's "La La Land" that the world was introduced to one of the first modern original movie musical's in years.
Well, we were blessed with yet another astounding movie musical that just so happens to contain songs written by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, the same duo who worked on "La La Land," as well as the Tony-award winning "Dear Evan Hansen."
What is that movie musical you ask? It's "The Greatest Showman,"and it is everything the world needs right now. This film deserves all of the recognition and here are just a few reasons to get your butt down to the movies right now and see this film.
1. The cast is incredible.
With names like Hugh Jackman, Zac Efron and Zendaya on the bill, you know you're in for a show. Jackman alone is fabulous as P.T Barnum, the main focus of the film and founder of "Ringling Brothers: Barnum and Bailey Circus." The chemistry between Efron and Zendaya's characters are breathtaking, Michelle Williams has a beautiful solo, and the whole entire cast is just fantastic and all have quite the set of pipes.
2. The choreography is breathtaking.
From "Million Dreams" to "Other Side" and of course, "Rewrite the Stars," every song has perfect choreography that matches the mood and message of the song perfectly. Zac Efron and Zendaya sing their duet while performing as trapeze artists, that is all you need to know.
3. This film took 7 years to make.
So, you know it's going to be good. Jackman himself was one of the main people who tried to get this ball rolling on this project. It may have taken some time, but it was well worth the wait with its fabulous direction and songwriting.
4. The songs are INCREDIBLE.
Speaking of songwriting... it's no secret that when you take a Tony and Oscar-winning songwriting duo, you're going to get pure magic. I am the first to admit that most musicals have some songs I adore, and some I can do without. I can say with total confidence that there is absolutely no song in this film that I feel wasn't strong enough. Every song was better than the one before it, and all left me in tears. Start by giving "This Is Me" a listen, and you'll understand.
5. The story is pure magic.
Yes, I'm sure it was fluffed up for Hollywood purposes, but does it really matter? Come on, people. This feel-good movie is exactly what the world needs. It's the story of P.T Barnum and how he went from rags to riches with his brilliant idea for "the greatest show on earth" and gives all of those outcasts who are degraded every day a chance. It was all executed so wonderfully, and there is no doubt in my mind that you will walk out of that theater with a smile on your face, and the soundtrack downloaded playing on loop.
