“The Greatest Showman” was released on December 8, and immediately had audiences falling in love with the characters and stories. It is personally one of my all time favorite movies, and I highly recommend it.

The Greatest Showman is based on the true story about P.T. Barnum (Hugh Jackman) and his journey in finding love, creating the magic that is the circus, and bringing people together. The movie opens up with a high energy circus routine that slowly fades into a flashback of a young peasant boy in love with a high class girl, named Charity (Michelle Williams).

The young couple persevere through the disapproval of Charity’s father, and move into their childhood dream house. Barnum longs for riches to give his family a better life than he had and decides to start a museum. His two daughters, and wife visit him at work upon seeing that a museum with no “pizzazz” will not put food on the table.

That’s when the show gets started, Barnum starts recruiting his circus. He want equality and acceptance for all of the “weirdos” and “freaks”. Through their music they gain acceptance of all the hateful bystanders of New York. It isn’t easy and it definitely takes some sacrifices from all involved.

Some of the biggest stars of the movie were; Hugh Jackman (P.T. Barnum), Zac Efron (Phillip Carlyle), Zendaya Coleman (Anne Wheeler), Keala Settle (Lettie Lutz), Michelle Williams (Charity Barnum), and last but not least Rebecca Ferguson (Jenny Lind).

Not only was the cast diverse, but the backgrounds and societal issues were. This movie has important lessons that were as relevant in the late 1800’s. Racism, acceptance, kindness, and equality!

There are many different incredible messages to this movie, about self acceptance, love, being true to who you are, hard work, and kindness. And for all the Zac Efron and Zendaya fans out there- the movie teaches audiences to not stick to the status quo, and to Shake It Up.

The acting was incredible, the plot was enticing, the characters were lovable, and the soundtrack was brilliantly done. I give The Greatest Showman a 9/10.