The holidays are always a great time to head off to the theater to watch a nice family movie. And this year, in my personal opinion, The Greatest Showman is the movie to see.

This movie musical follows P. T. Barnum as he creates a show featuring people with amazing and weird talents and features. Though he and his acts are scorned by many as being freaks and weirdos, the show that would eventually become the Barnum and Baily Circus would eventually be known as the Greatest Show on Earth.

Now, because this movie wasn’t connected to any sort of franchise, this movie was initially not on my radar. The only reason I became aware of it was a television ad that I saw. It looked interesting, so I considered watching it when it came out.

This consideration became even more reinforced when I realized that the star of the movie would be Hugh Jackman.
Yes, Hugh Jackman, who portrays Wolverine in the X-men franchise, plays the role of P. T. Barnum. While it is hard to believe, I can personally say that he has an incredible singing voice, and fits into this role of Barnum very well.

Other cast members include Zac Efron as Phillip Carlyle, Barnum’s partner; Michelle Williams as Charity, Barnum’s wife; Rebecca Ferguson as Jenny Lind, a famous singer that Barnum promotes; Zendeya as Anne Wheeler, a trapeze artist, acrobat, and the love interest of Phillip; and Keala Settle as Lettie Lutz, a bearded lady. All of these actors and actresses put on an amazing show orchestrating the founding of the circus.

As musicals go, this is one of the best ones I have ever seen. The music was catchy and inspiring, with great singers such as Jackman, Efron, and Zendeya leading them. In fact, one of the songs, “This is Me,” has been nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Original Song.

Overall, I would have to give this movie a 9/10, for a great cast, great music, and the inspiring message of being proud of who you are, despite the hate and scorn you may receive. The Greatest Showman proves just why Barnum was the Greatest Showman of his time, and is the perfect movie to end 2017 and begin 2018 with.