Read Mixed User Reviews for The Greatest Showman

6

pnoyfilmtvadikFeb 13, 2018

I enjoyed the film and its songs despite what the critics say. It's not an extraordinary film but a feel-good film that delivers. Everything in the movie is somehow expected yet keeping the audience amused and sometimes enthralled. It'sI enjoyed the film and its songs despite what the critics say. It's not an extraordinary film but a feel-good film that delivers. Everything in the movie is somehow expected yet keeping the audience amused and sometimes enthralled. It's better than La La Land. Go see it.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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5

VirgonoShakaMar 24, 2018

So, the greatest showman, huh? Not a very accurate title, more like "The average and mediocre showman". With some catchy pop songs, and a few nice choreography here and there, this movie is just plain average at best, with nothing reallySo, the greatest showman, huh? Not a very accurate title, more like "The average and mediocre showman". With some catchy pop songs, and a few nice choreography here and there, this movie is just plain average at best, with nothing really coming out as different or special. It feels totally made in a lab for audience consuming. Not the worst, but not one that I feel is really "The Greatest".… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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4

OrigamiPandaJan 23, 2018

Disneyfied, tries to frame P.T. Barnum's circus freakshow as being an inspirational story by attempting to brush every character flaw of Barnum's under the table while showing them off in plain sight and just ignoring them as some sort ofDisneyfied, tries to frame P.T. Barnum's circus freakshow as being an inspirational story by attempting to brush every character flaw of Barnum's under the table while showing them off in plain sight and just ignoring them as some sort of sorry excuse for a redemptive arc.… Expand

5 of 8 users found this helpful53

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6

lanceeyyFeb 19, 2018

"There's a sucker born every minute."

The Greatest Showman is, for the most part, good, but it is by no means "great". I came into this movie hoping to be blown away (my friends all gave this moving glowing reviews). Sadly, that is not the"There's a sucker born every minute."

The Greatest Showman is, for the most part, good, but it is by no means "great". I came into this movie hoping to be blown away (my friends all gave this moving glowing reviews). Sadly, that is not the case. Although, I did enjoy this movie, what I watched feels like an entirely different movie from what my friends watched. With that, let's talk about what I don't like about this movie.

The movie was entirely forgettable, story-wise, at least. The characters did not shine through at all. The carnies are, ironically, forgettable. I wish they gave these characters more exposition. I hoped that they would be talked about more. Their backstories more elaborate. But, no. By the end of the movie, there were more carnies than ever, and I did not know anyone of them. It's a shame because the movie wants you to sympathize with these people, about being different, yet we don't know who they really are. We don't get to know any of them. The movie is, for the most part, centered on Hugh Jackman. I get it. I know the movie isn't called The Greatest Carnies, but still. Choreography was mediocre. There wasn't anything special about the choreography at all. Nothing new we've seen from previous musicals. Maybe even a downgrade. The songs at least were pretty good and catchy that it kind of diverted attention away from the bland choreography. The parts that I hated were the God-awful CGI. There was one scene in particular, near the end of the movie where I just thought: "Geez. Really guys?". The CGI was so bad, I couldn't believe I was watching that in 2018. Taking all this into consideration, I did have a good time with this movie. It's such a happy-fun time kind of movie. If you just wanna watch a musical and have fun, it's worth a one-time viewing, at least. Although, there were a lot of things that I didn't like with this movie, overall, I did have a good time. The songs were the Hail Mary pass, but did they make it? For the most part, yes.… Expand

2 of 4 users found this helpful22

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6

JLuis_001Jan 8, 2018

Regardless of whether the real story is too retouched or the quite good level of production, this musical commits the sin I hate most about musicals and that affected my enjoyment a lot, besides that any dramatic weight is thrown out theRegardless of whether the real story is too retouched or the quite good level of production, this musical commits the sin I hate most about musicals and that affected my enjoyment a lot, besides that any dramatic weight is thrown out the window and the film never gets momentum or a real rumbling scene. And I must admit that the songs are not bad, but did they all have to be pop songs? Really?… Expand

2 of 6 users found this helpful24

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5

SEROJNov 3, 2018

Putting the music aside - this movie had so many cliches, that i felt sorry for my wasted time. I respect the hard work that's put into this, but unfortunately "The greatest showman" did nothing great.

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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4

Rebecca31Feb 12, 2018

After months of apparently prolonging the inevitable I was brought to see The Greatest Showman. And I use the word “brought” very loosely. The musical that every person has not stopped talking about since Christmas. The musical many peopleAfter months of apparently prolonging the inevitable I was brought to see The Greatest Showman. And I use the word “brought” very loosely. The musical that every person has not stopped talking about since Christmas. The musical many people insisted I would actually like. So I almost hate to disappoint you all but I did not like The Greatest Showman. I did not enjoy it and the songs for the most part were not for me.

What better way to celebrate the birth of the circus than in musical format, starring Hugh Jackman, Michelle Williams, Zac Efron and a whole bunch of other people I didn’t bother to look up. Clearly I’m in the minority here as The Greatest Showman has done extremely well for itself. Not only has it made a huge profit but it’s also been Oscar nominated for best original song. Just because I hated it doesn’t mean it hasn’t done something right. I won’t lie, not all the songs are terrible, at least two are well written but the rest made me want to rip my ears off just to make it stop. Who knew there was an audience for the fairy tale version of P.T. Barnum, complete with song after song, auto-tuned to within an inch of its life topped off with some very questionable lip-syncing by some (looking at you Rebecca Ferguson). In a Moulin Rouge-esque style of story telling and dance numbers it soon became sickening. Not to mention the mediocre predictable story and the dodgy CGI. The songs just didn’t stop, after a while I just tried to tune it all out. Hugh Jackman was a good choice and he certainly looks like he’s having fun. There is an audience for The Greatest Showman but obviously I’m not part of it. I felt like the theatre critic in the movie, honestly he was the only character I could relate to. La La Land reminded me that I can enjoy musicals, whereas The Greatest Showman reminded me why I hate them. If you like musicals then you’ll love this but if they’re not your thing then maybe give this one a miss like I should have.… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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6

NavyBeanDec 21, 2017

Total clown show. Look, I am a man, so yes I do think Hugh Jackman is a giant hunk. But what this movie fails to do is to get me inside him. When I go to the circus, I don't want to see behind the curtain, I want to see two short guys driveTotal clown show. Look, I am a man, so yes I do think Hugh Jackman is a giant hunk. But what this movie fails to do is to get me inside him. When I go to the circus, I don't want to see behind the curtain, I want to see two short guys drive motorcycles around a metal sphere. I want to see an elephant stand on its hind legs while wearing a funny hat and I wanted to see the bearded lady (aka Kelly Preston).… Expand

3 of 12 users found this helpful39

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5

TVJerryDec 28, 2017

Hugh Jackman brings his considerable box office clout to this biopic musical about the legendary showman, P.T. Barnum. Even though his presence is the dominant force, his energetic performance never ignites inspiration. It doesn't help thatHugh Jackman brings his considerable box office clout to this biopic musical about the legendary showman, P.T. Barnum. Even though his presence is the dominant force, his energetic performance never ignites inspiration. It doesn't help that the story is written in broad strokes with rudimentary motivations and cursory emotions. There are a LOT of songs and most of them have catchy, yet generic pop melodies with interchangeable lyrics about love or empowerment. The choreography is sometimes clever and there are snazzy directorial touches, including a steady energy throughout. Still, the combined effect is rather lackluster.… Expand

1 of 5 users found this helpful14

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5

MattyiceDec 20, 2017

Great cinematography, decent singing, and great songs may not be able to make up for The Greatest Showman's paper thin story and criminal unfaithfulness to PT Barnum. Hugh Jackman and Zach Efron give decent performances but even the danceGreat cinematography, decent singing, and great songs may not be able to make up for The Greatest Showman's paper thin story and criminal unfaithfulness to PT Barnum. Hugh Jackman and Zach Efron give decent performances but even the dance sequences are disappointing with them mostly being backflips instead of fancy choreography. While the music is worth a listen on Spotify or Apple Music, it does not contribute enough to the plot and comes off as bland. This oscar bait is best avoided this holiday season.… Expand

2 of 12 users found this helpful210

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4

VoldieMar 31, 2018

It could be a good musical, but sound engineering is absolutely disgusting.

Voices are auto-tuned so much, that at times is sounds like a vocoder. Yeah, it is kinda a norm now in pop music because of "singing boobs" performance - but w.t.f.It could be a good musical, but sound engineering is absolutely disgusting.

Voices are auto-tuned so much, that at times is sounds like a vocoder.

Yeah, it is kinda a norm now in pop music because of "singing boobs" performance - but w.t.f. are pop songs doing in a musical about 19th century? I don't mind some, but not all of them surely? You can do modern-ish musical numbers in that setting, watch Sweeney Todd for example.

If Hugh Jackman can't sing, why not just lip-sync to a real singer instead of producing a robot voice.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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5

Compi24Feb 13, 2018

Though it's clear director Michael Gracey intended this period musical to be a sweet, wholesome, and good-natured anthem for kindness and tolerance, a simple Google search on the actualities at hand will deflate any notion that the movie'sThough it's clear director Michael Gracey intended this period musical to be a sweet, wholesome, and good-natured anthem for kindness and tolerance, a simple Google search on the actualities at hand will deflate any notion that the movie's real-life characters were anywhere near what they actually were. This aspect along with the film's undeniably confused musical soundscape ultimately made me feel disappointed by the experience, which was frequently laden with groans, scoffs, and face-palms. Sure, the choreography and production design are worth a look, but if you're a musical where only about a third of your songs are 100% bearable, you've got an issue. Hugh Jackman, Michelle Williams, and Zac Efron give their all, but it's not enough to save a the film from an element that probably never needed to be there in the first place - the whole "musical" element itself.… Expand

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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6

eagleeyevikingJan 20, 2018

Ironically, "The Greatest Showman" feels too staged; a colourful, poppy, lighthearted, catchy musical with little to no depth to its fascinating real-life story.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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5

MrMovieBuffDec 29, 2017

I admired the production values behind 'The Greatest Showman' and I admired the committed performances from the cast. The big issue with this movie is that, it goes through every predictable cliche, and the message of the film does feel as ifI admired the production values behind 'The Greatest Showman' and I admired the committed performances from the cast. The big issue with this movie is that, it goes through every predictable cliche, and the message of the film does feel as if it is beating you over the head with it. A very charismatic Hugh Jackman plays P.T. Barnum, who grew up with a somewhat hard childhood, where the only bright spot was that he once met the love of his life named Charity (Michelle Williams), but her parents never thought that he was good enough for her. After getting a loan from the bank, and after working in jobs that had no secure future, Barnum decided to open up his own theater, which quickly became a circus after he hired a group of people who are considered "different" to be his acts. Many audiences from the local town end up seeing these acts and love the entertainment that is shown, even if they think those part of the act are not normal enough for their society. Zac Efron is Barnum's trusted assistant, Phillip Carlyle, who develops a somewhat rushed infatuation with acrobat, Anne Wheeler (Zendaya), but his parents disapprove of their relationship, and I'm sure you can guess why. I only disapprove of it because there was no development there, they just look at each other once, and that's it, they're in love. Again, I admire this movie for all the good intentions that it was made for. I'm sure certain groups like the LGBT community will respond very well to this film and its message, and they should. They deserve a film like this, though, I feel that there are better alternatives where a similar message is told, just with a touch more subtlety. Jackman carries this movie effortlessly, and proves that he has charisma and charm to pull this off. It's clearly the film he's always wanted to make, and he should be proud of the result. The musical numbers are catchy, too, the singing is great, and so is all the production values behind it. It's just the predictable story and head-banging message that let it down.… Expand

0 of 5 users found this helpful05

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6

johnem95Mar 28, 2018

The movie itself is super corny, but the songs are showstoppers. In other words, just listen to the soundtrack on your preferred music service.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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5

spencieMar 15, 2018

This movie was joyously awful, I had a hard time hating this movie because it's so much fun. The songs are great and I love all the stars in the film. The Greatest Showman is the cheesiest, stupidest movie of the year. It tries to be aThis movie was joyously awful, I had a hard time hating this movie because it's so much fun. The songs are great and I love all the stars in the film. The Greatest Showman is the cheesiest, stupidest movie of the year. It tries to be a feel-good movie, but just comes off stupid when it's trying to make you feel good. The CGI is horrendous as well. I love this movie so much! I had a great time watching it! If only it wasn't so terrible! It probably deserves 1 star, but I just can't give it one star because it's such a fun movie. I laughed so hard at this movie because of how stupid it was!… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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6

CineAutoctonoJan 4, 2018

"The Greatest Showman" was a light musical. The performances of Hugh Jackman and the entire cast are perfect, the songs were very good. But the story was ominous and somewhat eccentric.

0 of 3 users found this helpful03

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6

kyledokicDec 28, 2017

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Never seen a film start so good but finish so mediocre. Hugh Jackman is the stand out performer in this film. The major downside to this film was the confusing plot and overall message. Hugh Jackman's character P.T Barnum at the start shows his dream to be a performer. However, the majority of the film showed his 'dream' as being a financial cash grab and not as much passion as it was originally set out to be. The film's music consistently delivers throughout providing a high level soundtrack. The film provides an accurate representation of the financial constraints in starting a business in that time period, however, we see Hugh Jackman set up his first show then in the next scene he's able to buy a luxurious mansion, not really fully showing the hardship and struggle required. The film is a good watch displaying great recreations of a circus show especially from Zendaya and Keala Settle. The filmed showed messy plot lines with the introduction of Queen Victoria, Jenny Lind and the annoying cgi dwarf.… Expand

0 of 4 users found this helpful04

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6

ericrosarJan 2, 2018

A great execution of the most blandest script. The awesome musical set pieces and choreography are joined by a story that's simple; however things happen too easily in service of moving the plot along. Character development was light, howeverA great execution of the most blandest script. The awesome musical set pieces and choreography are joined by a story that's simple; however things happen too easily in service of moving the plot along. Character development was light, however I was glad since it was teetering on preachy. There's a gem behind what was shown, you might have to do a little work mentally to get there.… Expand

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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4

mrdr4gonJan 22, 2018

The Greatest Showman is a Disneyfied re-framing of history that tries to frame P.T. Barnum's circus freakshow as being an inspirational story by attempting to brush every character flaw of Barnum's under the table while showing them off inThe Greatest Showman is a Disneyfied re-framing of history that tries to frame P.T. Barnum's circus freakshow as being an inspirational story by attempting to brush every character flaw of Barnum's under the table while showing them off in plain sight and just ignoring them as some sort of sorry excuse for a redemptive arc. The Musical elements of this film are mostly mediocre-horrible pop songs without much in the way of interesting presentation (except for a single stunning scene involving Jackman and Efron). Otherwise the film presents just enough to get your hopes up that the film could be good, but then disappoint you.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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5

marymaebennettDec 27, 2017

So, back when my sister and I first heard Hugh Jackman was starring in a movie, we were ecstatic. When we realized there was no trailer for a soon to be released movie, we were a bit worried. When we were less than enthralled with theSo, back when my sister and I first heard Hugh Jackman was starring in a movie, we were ecstatic. When we realized there was no trailer for a soon to be released movie, we were a bit worried. When we were less than enthralled with the trailer, it was disheartening. When the critics to some degree panned it, I was hopeless but I still wanted to see it incase I was an outlier. I don't think I was. I think there were many problems with this movie but I took it for what it was with low expectations. I think the huge issue in this movie was definitely placement. From the opening you go from the traditional 20th Century Fox logo which already is old school, to the screaming Oh's and stadium, back to a black and white style 20th Century Fox, to Hugh Jackman. It doesn't work. The Jenny Lind plot felt out of the blue. There were so many times when my family and I would jolt back because out of nowhere they would BURST into song. There was also the issue of the style of the music. It did not fit the tone of the movie and made it felt very cheap. There was also a really weird message/ theme where in almost every other scene a character would call out Barnum, and the response was always something along the lines of "okay, yes, but look at this accidental result that benefitted others." None of the good that comes out of Barnum is because Barnum was intending to be good. It would've been a better story if they either said he was doing it out of the good of his heart, made him the villain of the story, or what I think would be best, chose a different protagonist. This movie isn't perfect but there were good parts, Michelle Williams was so phenomenal in the role that could've gone south if an actor without that much talent played Charity. The actors in general were all a plus and I felt like they all belonged in the world. I think the thing about this movie is that it is easy, it's not that great, but if you're looking for an easy to swallow family flick, voila.… Expand

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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4

amheretojudgeMar 22, 2018

so what's your act..

The Greatest Showman Its short runtime sweeps away swiftly by one's eyes with the charm of its musical numbers, witty choreography and stunning background score but as far as execution is concerned the makers seemsso what's your act..

The Greatest Showman

Its short runtime sweeps away swiftly by one's eyes with the charm of its musical numbers, witty choreography and stunning background score but as far as execution is concerned the makers seems careless about the quality offered resulting into a shallow emotional drama that fails to connect the audience. Michael Gracey; the director, is not in his A game and seems a bit distracted from his objective and focuses more on the razzle dazzle that its musical acts brings on the screen. On performance objective, Hugh Jackman has got it covered with a good supporting cast like Michelle Williams and Rebecca Ferguson while Zac Efron and Zendaya still has to go far long down the road. The Greatest Showman might be rich on little aspects like production design, costume, design and of course its soundtrack but what it fails to deliver is a good old tale told with conviction and a genuine soul to invest in it (despite of what Hugh Jackman might say through his performance; he is brilliant in it).… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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4

ShellBell97Feb 8, 2018

The Greatest Showman is solidly mediocre. It doesn't really try to do anything new, and it doesn't do what it does particularly well. The songs are routine, the choreography clunky, the tone and feel of the film is all over the place --The Greatest Showman is solidly mediocre. It doesn't really try to do anything new, and it doesn't do what it does particularly well. The songs are routine, the choreography clunky, the tone and feel of the film is all over the place -- overall, I just found it really disappointing. It's not actively bad (well, some parts are, but for the most part), but I would have been upset if I had paid money to see it (I got a free viewing at the theater).… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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4

SovrinaVFeb 14, 2018

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The Greatest Showman was just alright. You will enjoy it at the time... but once you leave the theater, nothing real will stick with you. First, I felt the movie could have had another 20-30 minutes of material added ...plus another song...to really flesh out the characters and their development. It was just too shallow. For example, there is NO explanation why Phillip Carlyle and Ann Wheeler have a relationship beyond their shallow attraction based on looks. Boring. Too many things are glossed over i.e. what bank forecloses on a house based on a newspaper story??? The storyline veers off course in several places and then has to get back on track, awkwardly, which detracts from what could be a great story and a celebration of diversity. Instead, the circus people become an angry group who feel used and ignored by Barnum and, honestly, should have walked out on him and started their own business with Carlyle whilst Barnum was off with Jenny Lind trying to become a respectable member of society. While the songs were great and, honestly, this movie would have sucked without them...there are no truly memorable songs or lines. Seriously. Just think back to great musicals like Singing in the Rain or Funny Girl. There are lines that we can quote "Hello, Gorgeous!" and songs that we are humming after decades -- i.e. "Good Morning" from Singing in the Rain is an orange juice commercial now...there is nothing from The Greatest Showman that I can imagine people singing along to in 70 years. Basically, The Greatest Showman just feels like a Barnum illusion....all smoke and mirrors and nothing real. This was an amazing cast full of talent and promise...but the storyline lacked substance and the story was too disjointed to make a lasting impact. Also, where exactly did the elephant go at the end of the movie when he rode it to meet his wife and daughters? Another illusion...… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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5

CarFan1999Jan 31, 2018

The Greatest Showman is directed by Michael Gracey and stars Hugh Jackman, Zac Efron, Michelle Williams, and Rebecca Ferguson. Jackman plays P.T. Barnum and the story is about how he started what's now called Ringling Bros. and Barnum &The Greatest Showman is directed by Michael Gracey and stars Hugh Jackman, Zac Efron, Michelle Williams, and Rebecca Ferguson. Jackman plays P.T. Barnum and the story is about how he started what's now called Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. It's ironic that this movie was in production for 8 years and happened to be released the same year the actual circus shut down after 146 years. What's important to know is that this is not a biopic of P.T. Barnum. The movie's story is very loosely based off of his life, thus there are many changes from the real-life story. For example, Barnum created his circus when he was 60, but Jackman is only 49 and he wears no makeup that makes him look older.

The movie's story is very simple. It shows how Barnum goes from having nothing to opening a successful circus with unique people such as the bearded lady, a very tall man, very fat man, a little person, and so on. Then it shows how he got greedy, lost almost everything he built because of it, and how he corrects everything in the end. It's a simple story that's ok. There's no depth with any of the characters, but they are pleasant enough. The action is ok. Jackman overacts a bit, but you can tell that he's having a lot of fun. Surprisingly, ex-Disney channel star Zac Efron acted the best here, playing Barnum's partner. This is a musical and the songs are overall disappointing in my view. Instead of music that would have been typical of the 1800's, all the songs here are modern pop songs. They are pleasant to listen to, but generic and forgettable. Only one song, "This Is Me", stood out. The musical choreography and stunts are done quite well however.

In the end, The Greatest Showman is an ok movie musical that has a feel-good vibe to it. However, it is bland and generic in almost every way. If you like musicals or feel-good movies, you will probably like this. I was in the minority at the screening. I could hear people crying during parts and almost everyone clapped when the end credits started to roll. But as for me, a guy who's not really a musical fan, this was a pleasant enough, but forgettable movie.… Expand