Enjoying The Showman

I went to see the musical, The Greatest Showman again last weekend. Every weekend since it came out on Boxing Day I've seen it. I've written before about seeing films over and over at the cinema. But here, I think is something different.

When I first saw The Greatest Showman, I thought the story a bit weak, thinking it very cliched and predictable. But there is no denying that Hugh Jackman's performance carries you through the film and it has to be said, the soundtrack is stunning.

(This Is Me. A video with lyrics of the best song on the soundtrack)

But, like many other films over the years, there is something about The Greatest Showman. By all accounts when it opened it had mixed reviews at best and the Box Office was deemed disappointing. And yet, nearly a month on from its release, it is still drawing the audiences in, if the last twice I've seen it are anything to go by.

And I think it was the reactions at the last two screenings that confirmed what I thought, that the film has cinema audiences leaving with smiles on their faces and in some cases singing. At the last packed screening there was even applause at the end. When you consider it's been out for a month, that is remarkable.

Most films tend to have their box office dwindle over time and yet The Greatest Showman is still holding up well, despite the films it has been competing with. 

I certainly think the release date, Boxing Day, helped with that. But also, it's a film that does what I think a lot of films forget at times; it entertains. 

As a film fan, I'm very happy to please. If I go see a comedy, I want to laugh. If it's a horror, then I want to be scared and unsettled. If it's an action film I want thrills. And so on. 

The Greatest Showman only wants to entertain its audience. It's a small thing perhaps, but by doing exactly that, it wins you over totally.

I haven't changed my mind on what I think is wrong with the film (aside from Michelle Williams who I thought was miscast, but her performance has won me over). But I'll forgive a film its flaws if I enjoy it.

And in the case of The Greatest Showman, I enjoy it a hell of a lot.