Regardless of how you feel about the movie that should have properly won last year's Best Picture Oscar, one side effect is that "La La Land" seems to have prompted the development of more movie musicals. One such gift is "The Greatest Showman," a totally engaging evening out at the cinema that was written by some of the guys who did "La La Land" and also won a Tony for Broadway's "Dear Evan Hansen."
Don't get me wrong. After seeing "The Greatest Showman," I didn't run out and buy the soundtrack like I did for "La La Land." I can't hum a single tune from the movie and no number was memorable. But I enjoyed every moment while it was on and that's a damn good thing.
"The Greatest Showman" is about the life of circus creator PT Barnum and his efforts to get this kind of entertainment going. You see how he engages the likes of the side show bearded lady and Tom Thumb. Along the way, there are marital squabbles, ego trips, and the ubiquitous circus fire. Having never seen the old Broadway musical "Barnum," I have no clue how much of the same ground was being covered with this film. All I know is I had a smile on my face and, one more time, that's a damn good thing.
A large portion of the success here can be attributed to the mega-talented Hugh Jackman in the lead. Jackman is a Broadway-schooled triple threat and could be the modern day Gene Kelly if he stuck to doing nothing but movie musicals. Oddly enough, he is almost matched in "The Greatest Showman" by Zac Efron (??!!) who also has some sterling moments as Barnum's business partner. Both light the screen when they are on it and you want to see both trying their hands at this film genre again. Hell, who the hell needs another Marvel superhero movie?
While "The Greatest Showman" won't have you singing in the shower, it certainly will give you some much needed positive entertainment. Bravo, Hugh and Zac.
LEN'S RATING: Three stars.
Dinner last night: Had a big lunch so just a sandwich.
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