Rated: PG
Starring: the curiously lithe Hugh Jackman, the oddly underused Michelle Williams, the freakishly handsome Zac Efron
Plot: A rags to riches story about the rise (and ensuing bumps) of innovator and circus creator P.T. Barnum.
Tanya’s Verdict: Based on the scathing reviews, I had no inclination to see this musical but the kids wanted to and then a few of my friends praised it so I figured WTH. I must admit I was pleasantly surprised. It wasn’t deep and oftentimes even simplistic and exaggerated – but for what it was, I still found it engaging. I’m not sure how historically accurate it actually is – but in terms of entertainment and it’s uplifting nature, I couldn’t care less. I did find the first half much better than the second and feel they could have easily shaved off about 20 to 30 minutes to make it a better film overall. Still – my daughters and I thought it “not bad” although my son was bored stiff throughout.