THE GREATEST SHOWMAN: Official Reviews/Reactions (SPOILERS)

[jo]

Deadline.com update --

20th Century Fox’s The Greatest Showman is between $2.7M-$3M today, which will still get it to the low-$20M range by the end of Christmas. Again, it’s a marathon, not a sprint for these movies as distribution executives assesses their fortunes by MLK weekend. While critics have been cruel at 48% Rotten, the original musical starring Hugh Jackman, Michelle Williams, Zac Efron and Zendaya proved to be a real crowd pleaser with the CinemaScore audience who gave it a solid A.

[jo]

USER rating and demographics profile of Users ( 873 as of now) who voted at IMDB --

www.imdb.com/title/tt1485796/ratings?ref_=tt_ov_rt

Rating By Demographic


All Ages
<18
18-29
30-44
45+


All
7.8/873
7.8/12
8.0/289
7.6/191
7.4/66


Males
7.6/438
7.5/8
7.9/206
7.4/133
7.2/46


Females
8.3/182
9.0/4
8.4/81
8.0/58
8.5/17


IMDb Staff
Top 1000 Voters
US Users
Non-US Users
-
5.3/10
7.7/262
7.6/172

It is easier to read the table from the link.

Demographic analysis indicates --

*Biggest voting group age-wise are the "16-29" (average rating of 8.0) and the "30-44" (average rating of 7.6) groups -- the usual desired demographics targeted by the film.

*More males (438 - avg rating of 7.6 ) voted than females (182 - avg rating of 8.3 ), with a more upbeat preference from the females.

*Highest ratings for Males are from the "18-29" age group ( avg rating of 7.9 for 206 voters) and the "30-44" age group (avg rating of 7.4 for 133 voters)

*Highest ratings for Females are from the "18-29" age group ( avg rating of 8.4 for 81 voters) and the " 30-44" age group (avg rating 8.0 of for 58 voters)

*US voters ( Domestic market - 262 voters) avg rating is 7.7; non-US voters ( Foreign market - 172 voters) avg rating is 7.6



It seems that while the female vote of 8.3 avg rating more heavily favors the movie, the male vote of 7.6 is not too far off.

The desired demos groups voted the highest among the cross-section.

It seems the movie is doing well with audiences -- hope this translates into box office results!

[jo]

Here's the TIME Magazine review -- positive!

time.com/5073169/the-greatest-showman-review/

[jo]

Peter Travers ( RollingStones.com) is particularly derisive ( 1.5 of 4 ) --

www.rollingstone.com/movies/reviews/peter-travers-on-greatest-showman-shrill-blast-of-nothing-w514499

[jo]

Pete Hammond of DEADLINE.COM sounds so positive about the movie that he sounds like an ad for the film itself





deadline.com/2017/12/greatest-showman-review-hugh-jackman-zendaya-zac-efron-p-t-barnum-1202230371/

[jo]

Rex Reed, an obvious admirer of Hugh Jackman, is very disappointed that the film did not serve Hugh's extraordinary talent well.

He rates the movie 2 of 4 ( but then again he wrote a very vicious review of LOGAN...and further back, an excellent review of THE BOY FROM OZ).

observer.com/2017/12/hugh-jackman-was-let-down-by-his-material-for-the-greatest-showman/

[jo]

Reposting this from the thread THE GREATEST SHOWMAN ( discussion of the making of the movie) --

Dec 21, 2017 18:51:06 GMT -5 jo said:

variety.com/2017/film/news/james-mangold-greatest-showman-re-shoots-1202646576/

James Mangold Helped Oversee ‘Greatest Showman’ Reshoots, Post-Production (EXCLUSIVE)

Brent Lang
Senior Film and Media Editor
@brentalang


CREDIT: 20th Century Fox

James Mangold came to the aid of his old pal Hugh Jackman at a critical moment during the making of “The Greatest Showman.” The “Logan” director was enlisted to help oversee a week of reshoots on the lavish movie musical last fall after 20th Century Fox, the studio behind the film, became concerned that Michael Gracey was overwhelmed with the scope of the picture.

Gracey, who is making his feature film directorial debut with “The Greatest Showman,” had an extensive resume of commercials work, but struggled to adjust to the pressure of calling the shots on an $84 million film. It was also determined that he could use a veteran’s assistance with the post-production process.

To that end, Mangold helped edit the picture. He was given an executive producer credit for his work and was paid a seven-figure salary for his contributions.

A source close to the studio disputed any notion that Gracey had lost control of the picture. The source said that Gracey directed all of the principal photography and the re-shoots, noting that the filmmaker was on the set and in the editing bay throughout the production. Mangold’s input, though extensive, was likened to more of an advisory role.


Mangold’s selection made sense on several levels. He had handled musical numbers in 2005’s “Walk the Line” and enjoys a long association with Jackman. The two men have worked together on three films — “Logan,” “The Wolverine,” and “Kate & Leopold.”

The film’s testing improved after reshoots were incorporated.


“The Greatest Showman” opened Wednesday and is one of Fox’s big holiday season offerings. It centers on P.T. Barnum, the legendary circus promoter, and his rise from street urchin to society fixture. Along with Jackman, the cast includes Zac Efron, Zendaya, and Michelle Williams. Reviews for the film have been mixed, with some critics dinging the picture for its plotting and pacing, but it did pick up three Golden Globe nominations, including a nod for best musical or comedy. Audiences also seem to like the movie better than reviewers, having handed it an A CinemaScore.

Gracey worked on the picture for seven years, as “Greatest Showman” struggled to get a greenlight. He first met Jackman on the set of a 2010 Lipton Iced Tea commercial.

Mangold and Fox both declined to comment on this article.

Ramin Setoodeh contributed to this article.

Why does this make feel better?

That FOX did support all efforts to give audiences a crowd-pleasing movie but bearing in mind that artistic quality is still well-served.

Not only that, the studio is rumored to be spending even more money to market the movie compared to its production budget!

Critics may be giving it mixed reviews ( currently at 49% at RTomatoes and 47% at Metacritic) but audiences are responding well ( Cinemascore rating of "A", Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score of "86%", IMDB Users Average Rating of 7.8 and Metacritic User rating of 8.1 .

Jo

[jo]

It seems one's critic's hatred of the circus and the idea of "sanitizing" the historical image of Barnum has practically blinded him from an artistic appreciation of the movie. What a patronizing review ( he is even condescending to Hugh) by Drew McWeeny.

He gave the movie a D rating -- if some really respected critics ( like Owen Gleiberman) had not given it very favorable reviews, then I would not have thought that he was reflecting more on his personal likes/dislikes than on how a critic should view a movie!



www.tracking-board.com/the-greatest-showman-review-hugh-jackmans-pt-barnum-musical-strikes-too-many-false-notes/

[jo]

Drew McWeeny should read this

startsat60.com/entertainment/why-youll-admire-hugh-jackman-even-more-after-seeing-the-greatest-showman

[jo]

This is what you have written, Mr. Drew McWeeny, if you hadn't been blinded by such biases against circuses and PTBarnum!

www.tri-cityherald.com/entertainment/movies-news-reviews/mr-movie/article191071609.html

[jo]

The musical score is well-loved by young people ( especially those on the younger end of the desired movie demos) -- check out social media and YouTube!

I wondered if those who thought of the score as below par are listening to it with ears plugged to much earlier times

Maybe it is time to move on with the times -- listen to the contemporary music and lyrics of the songs, the irresistible beat, the surge of emotions...and enjoy ourselves.

Anyone who stays unmoved in his seat (at the theater) or on his chair while watching the YouTube releases has got to be numb to exciting changes -- one moves on with the times and not stay time-travelling to the past. Come alive, folks!

[jo]

Hey!

TOMATOMETER

50%
Average Rating: 6/10
Reviews Counted: 116
Fresh: 58
Rotten: 58

Critics Consensus: The Greatest Showman tries hard to dazzle the audience with a Barnum-style sense of wonder -- but at the expense of its complex subject's far more intriguing real-life story.


AUDIENCE SCORE

86%
liked it
Average Rating: 4.3/5
User Ratings: 6,305

Lol - if this were a democracy, the LIKES have outvoted the FROWNS by a landslide


Seriously, I hope the movie has now reached a minimum plateau at 50% and is now on an upward trajectory. The positive reviews from well-known critics and critic-sites may have encouraged the critics from much further places to voice their true feelings and not have the peer pressure exerted by the initial deluge of vicious critiques. Again, the issue of the truth in an inspired story of a real-life person seems to have erased what should have been some people's correct perception of the movie as an artistic piece of entertainment!

It's not a documentary



Interesting comment from a BWW poster who frowned that a musical which "glorifies a man who created a human zoo" was made!

Ha- the poster is obviously a Sondheim devotee ( his username is George and Dot from Sunday...) -- what about a well-worshipped musical that glorifies " cannibalism " and "vengeful vicious murders"??

Sweeney Todd ( which was inspired by a true story supposedly), anyone ??

[carouselkathy]

I was thinking while in the shower (a good place to think), that if OKLAHOMA! opened today for the first time ever, critics would ask, "What about the dustbowl and Indian Removal part of the story? The songs are nice, but where is the actual range war between the farmers and cattlemen?" YANKEE DOODLE DANDY is another example of a supposed biopic which greatly whitewashed the true life and character of George M. Cohan. It's considered a classic performance by Cagney.

The question about any film is, did the director and performers accomplish what they set out to do? Critics often review films based upon what they think the director and performer's visions should have been.

[jo]

From the UK - 4 of 5!


film.list.co.uk/article/98175-the-greatest-showman/

[jo]

Enjoy reading this 4 of 5 review --

www.rte.ie/entertainment/movie-reviews/2017/1222/929226-the-greatest-showman-will-brighten-up-the-dullest-day/

[hughmanity]

One of the few unqualified raves


www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/the-greatest-showman-is-movie-magic_us_5a3c6921e4b06cd2bd03d98a

[hughmanity]

REGARDLESS of what many critics thought, one great thing that came out of the reviews is that almost ALL of them recognize the showman that is Hugh Jackman.  His triple threat talents (not to mention his charm) have certainly been brought to the forefront, emphasized, and validated again and again in even the harshest of reviews.   (Another personal bonus for me is that my husband actually loves the soundtrack - lol)]

[jo]

At this point, I am less caring about what the critics say -- leave them to their own miserable existence

Sorry! If they cannot find joy in something that has brought so much pleasure and happiness to so many ( Thank goodness for the internet and social media!), they should think about other occupations and they will probably be happier with other ways to earn money. I can't seem to find it professional when one delights in trashing others, as there were some supposed critiques which were downright vicious, crudely insulting, and extremely condescending .

It has got to be a miserable profession, especially when " they don't hear what the people sing"!

Jo

[jo]

Sounds like a very fair review!

[jo]

Wow -- look at this Rotten Tomatoes compilation of current movies, with both the CRITICS RATINGS and the AUDIENCE SCORE RATINGS!


www.rottentomatoes.com/browse/in-theaters/


THE GREATEST SHOW is shining through as a great example of a strong disconnect between what the critics said and what those who have seen it have shown as their approval rating.

Look at The Last Jedi, Downsizing, The Post, Murder on the Orient Express, etc... and some of the animated movies.

Not included in the table are newer movies like PHANTOM THREAD which also has a marked downward slope for its AUDIENCE SCORE. Same thing for ALL THE MONEY IN THE WORLD. An irony that of the two Michelle Williams movies current on released, it is THE GREATEST SHOWMAN which has a markedly higher preference ratings with audiences!


Jo

[jo]

Take a look at Nathaniel Rogers's review, with some comparison with The Post.

He has seen it twice and will see it a third time.

Written with love and wonder of a child on Christmas morning



www.towleroad.com/2017/12/holiday-movie/

Previous
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by Nathaniel Rogers
December 26, 2017 | 7:59am

Hugh Jackman’s Show Time! He’s finally made another musical.

If you take film critics, Rotten Tomatoes, or any review aggregate site seriously you might think that future Oscar contender The Post (86%) is a pricey gift from Santa Spielberg that’s come exquisitely wrapped for Christmas. You might also believe that the new Hugh Jackman musical The Greatest Showman (51%) is an oversized lump of coal fouling up your otherwise pretty stocking. Don’t fall for that anti-fun / theme=worth messaging; See both for a well-rounded holiday week at the movies!

THE POST

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THE GREATEST SHOWMAN

While Spielberg’s film walks with confident, nay, cocky swagger, the new Pasek & Paul musical The Greatest Showman is quite a different more anxious beast. There’s no walking at all. In its place is brisk jogging, spinning, and much leaping to-and-fro to hold your attention. It’s naked desire to please is either adorable or triggering, depending on your comfort with the movie musical genre.

I am very comfortable with the genre — my favorite — so take that as you will since musicals are the most Rorschach testy of film genres. The only thing that triggered me was Michelle Williams constant alien smiling which was creepy and unnerving given her usually tragic screen persona. Hell, I even loved the bald rip-offs of Moulin Rouge! (a masterpiece which The Greatest Showman is decidedly not… let’s not be crazy) in which the in-movie audience calls back in song to the performers during the title track.

Hugh Jackman plays P.T. Barnum the infamous 19th century businessman who founded the Barnum & Bailey circus. The movie tracks his rocky rise to fame and fortune but only as a rickety makeshift conveyor belt on which to place big swoony ballads (“Never Enough” and “Rewrite the Stars”) roof-shaking belters (“This Is Me”) or those numbers which manage to do all things at once as they swing from emotional character beats to foot stomping dance parties (the exuberant climax “From Now On”).


I devoured the movie like the cotton candy that it is — sweet, funny, colorful… and also weirdly artificial and empty but who cares?! Highlights include the inventive acrobatic choreography of the Zendaya and Zac Efron duet “Rewrite the Stars” — which is an uber-watchable mix of the impossibly graceful and believably clumsy (their mid song tumble onto the ground is bliss) and Hugh Jackman in general; you can feel the star’s passion for this show in all the right places.
The Greatest Showman has already been punished by critics, professional and amateur. It had some of that coming when it opted to cast a critic as the villain within the picture (you’re just asking to be trashed now, movie!). It even goes so far as proposing in the dialogue that critics can feel no joy. As for the historical inaccuracy gripes which are abundant online it’s true that it paints a far too rosy picture of a problematic-at-best man.

But if you’re looking to the musical genre for historical accuracy you’re watching movies wrong! Musicals have rarely strived for realism — it’s not the genre’s forte — and calling this a “biopic” is like saying that Star Wars is a family drama. It’s technically sort of true but entirely misses the point.

The Post may well be, objectively speaking, the better film. But if you’re here for its freedom of the press and feminist messaging (as I certainly was), you’re the choir that’s just been bluntly preached to. You’ll get everything you need from it the first time, so it probably won’t age well should it win Best Picture in March.

Listen, objective quality isn’t everything. The nicest Christmas present under your tree might not be the one you want to play with the most. I’m not ashamed to say that I’ve already seen The Greatest Showman twice and had even more fun the second time when I’d given up the dream of it being “great” and could settle for embarrassingly earnest good fun. Reviews be damned, I shall return for round three splattered though I may be with tomato juices.

To quote Pasek & Paul’s Golden Globe nominated and machine-calibrated inspirational earworm:
I’m not scared to be seen. I make no apologies, THIS IS ME.

[jo]

Update on the TOMATOMETER at Rotten Tomatoes --

TOMATOMETER

53%
Average Rating: 5.9/10
Reviews Counted: 156
Fresh: 82
Rotten: 74

Critics Consensus: The Greatest Showman tries hard to dazzle the audience with a Barnum-style sense of wonder -- but at the expense of its complex subject's far more intriguing real-life story.


AUDIENCE SCORE

90%
liked it
Average Rating: 4.5/5
User Ratings: 8,221

It's inching up -- from a low of 39%, it is now at 53%! How many more reviews can we expect -- maybe anywhere from 75 to 100 more for movies of this size? For blockbusters like LOGAN, it went over the 300 reviews mark.

What is really delightful is the Audience Score which continues its upward climb -- now at 90%!

The threshold number for a FRESH rating at RTomatoes is 60%. That is still a long way to go...but maybe there is a slight chance ? If not, we are now getting into more decent numbers for critics ratings!


Jo

[jo]

Oops - it fell down to 52% again -- it is like a seesaw although the trajectory is steadily upwards.

TOMATOMETER

52%
Average Rating: 5.9/10
Reviews Counted: 157
Fresh: 82
Rotten: 75

[hughmanity]

This is a particularly nice one


www.star2.com/entertainment/2017/12/28/the-greatest-showman-review/

[jo]

LOL - back to 53%

TOMATOMETER

53%
Average Rating: 6/10
Reviews Counted: 159
Fresh: 84
Rotten: 75