GREATEST SHOWMAN RATED GP (Thematic elements including a brawl)                                                        Family Entertainment – I would take all of my Grandkids to see this. You may have to explain the anomalies of some diversity like the Bearded Lady, Midgets, etc., but nothing inappropriate.

My daughter, who is not a movie buff, asked me if I’d seen Greatest Showman. That peaked my interest. I wondered if it was showing in the cave I live in most of the time.  She exclaimed that I had to go see it. Her friend loved it so much she had already seen it eight times? “Does she normally see movies eight times,” I asked. She told me that the music was incredible. Music? What music? I had seen a few previews but apparently wasn’t paying much attention, because I absolutely love musicals. I drove my kids crazy when they were young, answering their questions by singing lyrics from a musical. At least until they declared “Oh no not again, just answer my question!” or “Enough Mother,” their favorite name for me when they were especially annoyed. Kind of like when parents use your middle name to show you they mean business!

Two days later, I was in the front row of the second section of the movie theatre with my feet propped up on the bar, which is why I always sit there, watching Greatest Showman, popcorn in lap.  After the opening scene I was tapping my foot on the bar to the music, with a broad grin on my face, already planning when I would see Greatest Showman again.

The music and dancing are great. Contagious. You could feel it in the theatre. Perhaps because of the cave I inhabit, I didn’t realize Hugh Jackman was so musically talented. He lived up to the name of the show. And that smile! The storyline is inspirational and motivating with a message of loyalty, dedication and perserverance. Based on a true story, it gives everyone the hope of accomplishing their dreams by never giving up. The only reason I wished it would move along was so they would get back to the wonderful music and dance!

I’ve read many reviews, which I tend to take with a grain of salt. Most professional movie or book reviewers think it’s job security to find everything they can to criticize when writing their opinion. Rarely has the divide between the critics and the people been sharper than it is in Greatest Showman. It is  a must see for everyone from 12 years old to adult. It offers not only great entertainment, wonderful music and dance, but a lesson in the beauty of diversity! Share with me your thoughts and how many times you saw it!