The film itself is just as inspiring, unexpected and intriguing at every stage as the colourful characters themselves. The thing is that there isn't just one aspect of this film that makes it wonderful, but a combination of acting, singing and dancing talent, a beautiful storyline, a powerful soundtrack, a strong message, and a lot of heart that bring it all together.
The show begins with P.T. Barnum (Hugh Jackman) performing in the very centre of that which is his masterpiece. Before long, everything falls silent, and we are thrust into a childhood of poverty, grief, mistreatment and hopelessness. The sweet voices of the young P.T. Barnum (Ellis Rubin) and his future wife Charity Barnum (Skylar Dunn), give the audience a window into the past of the great showman and provide insight into some of the inspirations behind his soon to be famous Circus.
As Barnum begins his quest for intriguing acts, the complex lives and challenges of each are beautiful portrayed and combined with hidden talents that are both entertaining and inspiring. It soon comes to light that not all acts are as obvious as others, as embodied by the downhearted Phillip (Zac Efron)
who becomes Barnum's reluctant business partner.
Intertwined with the main story are the individual and equally spellbinding tales of the bonds forged between the acts, particularly that of Phillip and Anne Wheeler (Zendaya). It's hard not to shed a tear as each overcomes their own challenges and supports each member of their new found family through their own struggles- even P.T. Barnum himself when the time comes.
This film is colourful, complex, full of heart and extremely entertaining.
In the words of P.T. Barnum himself, "The noblest art is that of making others happy", and this is certainly on show here.
I won't give anymore away, but I assure you that I certainly can't wait to watch it again when it comes out on DVD (and sing along with the songs in my car :) ) - 5 out of 5.
