Two musicals with talented singers, dancers and creative openings. From the story of a man beginning his dreams to a girl group ready to end on a high note. Hugh Jackman, Anna Kendrick, Zac Efron, Rebel Wilson, Zendaya, and Hailee Steinfiled. Now that's a show I'd buy a ticket to see.
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| P.T. Barnum, his wife (Michelle Williams) and daughters. |
I don't know much about the real P.T. Barnum and I knew going in
The Greatest Showman wasn't going to help. It's a musical not a serious biopic. The story of how the greatest show on earth originated with show-stomping musicals that even if you don't like the film, you will love the soundtrack. Songwriters Benj Pasek and Justin Paul are the real stars thanks to their music and first time director Michael Gracey delivers a spectacular show. Hugh Jackman is a natural in the lead role thanks to his Broadway background. Zac Efron, where have you been? Didn't you learn in
High School Musical that this is where you shine? Seriously, name one good film that wasn't a musical in your Post-Disney Channel career, and don't say
The Lorax you didn't utter a note. Speaking of Disney Channel stars, after her role in
Spider-Man: Homecoming Zendaya's film career is on a good start and like Efron, who plays his love interest, knows a thing or two about musicals.
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| Troy Bolton finds love after Gabriela broke his heart after high school. |
The story does lag in the middle with a subplot involving Rebecca Fergueson, while crucial to Barnum's character it slows down the story. Take me back to the circus and the performers who give it their all with every song and dance number It gets a tad predictable towards the end but leave it to the circus performers to save the day. If I had to to name my favorite song of the year the film's soundtrack could fill all the spots from the Efron and Zendaya duet "Rewrite the Stars" and the uplifting "This is Me." I'd have to give the show-stopper award to the track "The Greatest Show" played perfectly from beginning to end.
It's bittersweet that the same year the movie is released the circus officially closed its doors. While Barnum's vision wouldn't last forever
The Greatest Showman won't lets us forget the legacy and memories of what a great show it truly was.
Final Verdict: B
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I had no intention of watching
Pitch Perfect 3 but after an invite from a friend visiting over the holidays, why the heck not. Like
The Greatest Showman I went knowing little to no information about this musical trilogy. I've never seen any the of previous films and from what I could gather its about an all-girl Acapella group called the Barden Bellas and some contest judges played by Elizabeth Banks and John Michale Higgins.
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| Trying to live after college with the past clinging on to her |
The Barden Bellas are each living their less-than exciting lives, reminiscing of getting back together again. After a reunion party a chance is granted when they get to perform for the United Service Organization and go on tour with other competing groups.
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| Spy caper isn't what comes to mind when I think of Acapella competition. |
I could tell that something needed to be added in order to keep this story from losing steam, so why not throw in John Lithgow (with a a bad Australian accent) as Fat Amy's father and turning a musical comedy into a spy/action caper. It's entertaining I'll give it that but bizarre like seeing
High School Musical or
Glee transform into
Mission Impossible or
Rush Hour in the third act.
I'm not the target demographic but as chick flicks go, its an average viewing. The Acapella covers are catchy, the humor is fine though obvious at times, and Anna Kendrick is a likable lead along with her group. Rebel Wilson can get annoying but she has enough spunk that you admire her spirit and dedication. I'm glad I saw it and if anything I'm now curious to see the first film of how the gang got together.
Final Verdict: C+
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