Michael Gracey (1)

(had to watch in 2 sessions)
Spectacle and glitz, emotional and moving. Great performance by Jackman and others. Themes of love, hate, acceptance, and disdain.
The best dramatic sequence IMO was the interleaving of Barnum & Lind on tour (applause & adulation) with the Circus Freaks at home (jeers & opposition), culminating in disaster on more than one front.
The story and protagonist characters were portrayed quite anachronistically, but the messages were important to get across, which would probably not be possible with era-authentic actions and behavior (the antagonists of course were portrayed with all their antique prejudices intact).

The music is very show-specific, and doesn't give you anything to sing along with easily.… (more)

This is a totally fun musical. It isn't a documentary about Barnum and makes no pretense of accuracy which is just as well since much of it is totally fictional. The songs are memorable and there is a singalong version included. The dancing as spot on.

The theme of inclusiveness interested me as did the message that work should not overshadow family. "This Is Me" will become the anthem for anyone who has been put down or bullied.

Anyone who enjoys feelgood movies will probably like this movie.… (more)