Written by Sha’Myra Boyd

As 2017 comes to a close, there is no better film to watch to get you motivated to start the New Year off right than The Greatest Showman. I literally danced through the aisles during the ending credits. The Greatest Showman is an inspiring tale of how the imaginative PT Barnum came to create the infamous Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey circus. My sole reason for seeing this movie was to support Najla Gilliam, a talented dancer I’ve been following for years; however, I was not at all prepared for the magical experience that came from watching this movie.

From the very beginning, the musical numbers swept me away with their empowering lyrics and the dancing filled me with extreme joy. The artistry of the film was one of pure brilliance as the story naturally flowed from one scene to the next. Hugh Jackman truly captured the vision of a man whose charisma helped him to build a home for those weird but fascinating. Even the romance of Zac Efron and Zendaya was able to provide the audience with some realism as the lines of societal pressures threatened the growth of the couple. Of course, the success of PT Barnum didn’t go without some roadblocks, such as constant riots, a fire, and one suspicious critic.

Nevertheless, Barnum pushed through every barrier to create a spectacle that leaves fans smiling brighter than when they arrived. The bliss that came from going to see the Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey’s circus was perfectly translated into film and with it closing in May 2017, this was a great way to preserve their legacy for future generations to see.

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