Looking for a musical with catchy songs, beautiful (and unique) shots, and a story based off real life events?
Here it is: The Greatest Showman.
This is going to be a very open review. The Greatest Showman has all that it boasts and much more. My goal here is to list the uplifting and the negative elements in this movie without stating too much of my opinion (which can be discussed in the comments). In fact, if I did try to tell you my summary of the movie, I'm still not sure if I "liked" or "didn't like" this movie. So let's see how it goes.
Hugh Jackman leads an all-star cast in this bold and original musical filled with infectious showstopping performances that will bring you to your feet time and time again.
Inspired by the story of P.T. Barnum (Jackman), the film follows the visionary who rose from nothing to create a mesmerizing spectacle.
This inspirational film also stars Zac Efron, Michelle Williams, Rebecca Ferguson and Zendaya.
Details:
105 Minutes
By 20th Century Fox
Directed by Michael Gracey
Rated: PG
Released: 2018
Negative Elements:
There were several things in the movie that I didn't particularly appreciate. The main one was probably the language. The movie review site my family often goes to mentioned two or three crude words, but in watching the story we caught the Lord's name in vain at least half a dozen times. That, in itself, is enough for me personally to ditch a movie. And because of that, the first time I watched The Greatest Showman, I did step out half-way.
The movie portrayed beer, liquor, etc. in several scenes. It wasn't a sip either, there was a lot of drinking. Depending on your convictions, you might want to skip a scene of two because of this aspect.
There was also a vast amount of immodesty in this movie. I won't go into detail, but viewers might want to take caution.
Lastly, in this movie a woman acted seductively around a married man and went as far as kissing him unexpectedly. There are other forms of pre-marital romance in the movie as well (which can be read here). This aspect, as well as the others, are ones that should be taken note of. If you have a way to filter movies (like through VidAngel), perhaps the issues I have with the movie could be avoided.
My Review:
I had several close friends recommend this movie to me. And really, I did enjoy it! The beginning and end was very sweet, and the filming was well-done. Many beautiful shots. And the dancing...! *happy sigh*
The Greatest Showman is probably most well-known for its soundtrack, and the songs were indeed amazing. Several of them are ones that I remember very fondly (such as this song - ahhhhh!), but all are professional and fun to listen to.
I appreciated the themes of the story, including accepting people despite their differences, focusing on family instead of fame or fortune, and overcoming hardships together. I could pick apart the movie, but there certainly were good morals displayed that I appreciated.
Overall, The Greatest Showman was a very well-made movie with a great soundtrack, lovely shots, and overarching themes. It is not a Christian movie, and I don't think I could watch it again because of some of the negative elements.
Am I glad I watched it? I would say yes. However, I can't say decisively if the movie is honoring to God or not, and I wouldn't be able to recommend it to anyone without warning them.
Other Notes:
Phew, this review sounded more negative than I expected, but I want to be as honest as possible. Because so many Christians are raving about this movie, I want to chat together. Have you watched The Greatest Showman, and, if so, what were your thoughts? From my review, would you be willing to spend an hour and a half of your time viewing it or not? Should followers of Christ fill their minds with the themes and elements this movie portrayed?
(And do you ever have a million dreams keeping you awake like I do?! Author problems, haha.)
Let's chat!
Test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22
~♥~
Mhm... I absolutely loved the movie but you do raise some interesting points. I love the songs, dancing, and the overall movie... though there are things that were added that I didn’t see necessary. It’s hard to determine what movies and books are clean to watch. We could debate all day on whether or not we should be watching such and such movie or book but the bottom line is it’s a decision we each have to make. It’s clearly stated in the Bible what’s wrong and right, it’s the gray areas where it gets tricky.
ReplyDeleteWould I watch the Greatest Showman again? Yes, I think I would. While certain themes aren’t Christian I still think the overall movie is pretty good. But everyone is entitled to their own opinion of course.
What are your thoughts?
I'm so glad you shared that, Sarah! I didn't want to write a review saying that the movie was good or not... it's a decision we have to make as followers of Jesus. I just sought to share both sides of the argument and see what others thought. Thus, I'm glad you shared your view!
DeleteThe Greatest Showman certainly had great songs and dancing. There were aspects I enjoyed, and I could watch the first part over and over again. *happy sigh* However, for me, I don't think I could watch the movie again, mainly because of the way I think sin was deemed as acceptable (for example: the Lord's Name in vain and immodesty). I would have to consider it prayerfully.
Again, thank you for sharing, Sarah! I appreciate your thoughts so much.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts about this movie, Hosanna! I haven't seen it yet, but would like to, and have heard a lot of different things about it. I always appreciate your thoughtful movie reviews, so thank you! xx
ReplyDeleteI'm glad this post was timely for you, Emily! Whether you decide to watch the movie or not, I appreciate your sweet words. ♥
DeleteThank you for this honest review! I have not watched The Greatest Showman before...
ReplyDelete-Brooklyne
You're very welcome, Brooklyne! I hope this post was helpful for you in evaluating this movie. =) Are there any certain films you have found to be encouraging in your walk with God?
DeleteHave you ever watched I can Only Imagine? It was pretty good. Also, Moms Night Out is one of my favorites! It is really good! In parts, it's funny, and in others, meaningful... have you ever watched it before?
DeleteI have watched both of those movies and actually was going to write a review for I Can Only Imagine one of these days. =) Both of the ones you mentioned were fun and encouraging to see. It's a blessing when we are able to find uplifting films that point to Jesus!
DeleteYa, I really like Moms Night Out! I've watched it multiple times. (And can quote half of it!) :)
DeleteHey, thanks for following me on Google!
Wow, you must really enjoy Moms Night Out then! =) It would be nice to see it again. And it has been nice to talk with you on here, Brooklyne! ♥
DeleteThanks for sharing this, Hosanna. I haven't seen this movie, but my mom wants to, because she keeps hearing all these christian ladies she trusts say it's wonderful. For my part, I am intrigued because they all see something in it, but I am also skeptical, because without even looking it up I have learned some things that's in it, and it's just like, how are you all that eager to recommend it? I think it's sad we have that stuff around us, but as far as making a movie (or writing a book, etc) goes, I think it is healthy to have some sin in it IF it is there to point out the evils of said sin/to give the character a redemption arc - Sherwood films have done an AMAZING job of finding that balance. But if it's there just to be there, it's pointless and causes us to be desensitized to it, if we "ingest" more of it in that form. I know this is a true story and so they didn't have much play room, but it sounds like they played with it plenty anyway, and so, I don't know. Again, I haven't seen it, but I am skeptical to say the least. From what I have heard, it will be a lot like Finding Neverland, except a musical... my Grandma wanted to watch it while I visited her last spring, and I will admit that parts of it were quite touching (okay... all the parts where he interacted with the boys and only the boys)... but it had MAJOR issues with it, and I would never recommend it to anyone and couldn't comfortably watch it again knowing what I know about it now, it was just too carefree with sin, you know?
ReplyDeleteAnyway... you get the idea of what I am trying to say, haha! Thanks for sharing and being a place to discuss this!
Rejoicing in Hope,
Bri
I agree, Bri! Sin is not something to be played with, but movies like The Greatest Showman sometimes portray it as just a normal part of life. I think that is very dangerous and not something I want to promote.
DeleteI haven't seen Finding Neverland, so I can't say either way about that movie. But I do very much appreciate movies like the ones by the Kendrick Brothers when they portray the truth of the Bible and how sin affects our lives. Sin happens, and we can't hide completely from immodesty, foul language, and other aspects of the world (if we did, how could we reach out to the lost?). Yet if we have the choice of bringing it into our homes, do we want to draw near to something that is dishonoring to God? As you said, we can't be carefree with sin.
I understand that many Believers do enjoy this movie, and it is ultimately between them and God. But I have enjoyed discussing this, and thank you for sharing your thoughts, my friend!
This is Heidi and Olivia's mom in Pa. I thought your review was really right on. I had the same exact mixed feelings about it. The music and dancing was amazing, but there were other elements that left something to be desired. I also was disappointed that the story has some pretty big historical inaccuracies. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing, Mrs. Jennifer! I'm thankful that God has convicted you in a similar way, although I do respect and love those who choose differently. Sin is so important to avoid, and it's vital that we seek to keep our families focused on the truth. Thank you for leading your dear daughters towards Jesus. ♥
DeleteI SO agree!! I liked this movie but there was quite a few negative elements. :( Great review girlie!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing, Victoria! It's important to guard our mind and heart and keep them pure for our Savior. Press on, friend!
DeleteI really enjoyed reading your review, Hosanna! I appreciate how you list the negative elements as well as your thoughts on the movie. :) I haven’t seen this movie before, but I’ve heard a lot of people talk about it. I probably won’t see it just because it doesn’t really sound like a movie I would enjoy. =)
ReplyDeleteYes, this seems to be a very popular movie currently, doesn't it? I respect that you are choosing to avoid it because of your convictions even when there's always pressure to give in. Thank you for the encouragement, Rebekah!
DeleteI am not a big movie goer and I cannot comment on the film as I have not seen it. However my husband and my two young pre-teenage sons did go to see the film and were absolutely enthralled by it all. I must admit I do prefer a film to be true to its nature when portraying the life of a person - even if some of the scenes are not particularly wholesome.
ReplyDeleteThat's an interesting aspect you mentioned, Linda: seeking films to be true even at the sake of experiencing unwholesome content. Personally, as a Christian, I believe it's important to keep my mind pure to honor Jesus (Phil. 4:8). However, it comes down to our convictions and how the Lord leads us. Thank you so much for sharing! =)
DeleteI'm not a huge fan of musicals myself, but if it's got Hugh Jackman in it, I'd certainly give this a go - and you certainly seemed to enjoy it. I'd possibly like the dancing more than the songs, but you've got to try these things don't you? Popping over from #SnappedUp
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing, Lauretta! It is good to try new things as long as they don't contradict our conscience. I hope you enjoy the film if you get the chance to see it. =) Have a lovely weekend!
DeleteI haven't seen the movie yet, but have heard some good things about it. It was good to hear your honest review. I do think there are unnecessary senses put into films which is a shame. #SnappedUp
ReplyDeleteOh yes, there were many good aspects about this movie, Leah! For me it comes down to weighing the good and the questionable aspects and deciding if it's something I want in my mind. I hope your own decisions bring you closer to Jesus's love and joy, my friend!
DeleteThanks for giving such an honest review! I have not actually seen this yet but have heard many great reviews. #snappedup
ReplyDeleteYou're very welcome! I hope my review was encouraging and challenged you to consider both sides to this movie. Have a wonderful day!
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