Movie Review: The Greatest Showman

Heeelloooooo! I'm back to writing movie reviews (hopefully, on a regular basis), after receiving a diagnosis of Heart Failure, two months after giving birth, it was a complication from my Gestational Hypertension. 

Honestly, I'm still not sure what the future holds, I took an extended medical leave for three months to rest. I'm back to work, taking care of my son during the weekends and hopefully back to my good old self. In the mean time, here is my first review for 2018-the historical period drama musical "The Greatest Showman" !!!

I came in the theater with no expectations about the film, I haven't listened to any of the songs prior to seeing the film, which is unusual for me given that I'm such a music nerd. I only saw this special on Fox Movies, which really didn't reveal much, except that Hugh Jackman is really the ultimate performer (as if we didn't already know that already!) and that the original song from the movie, "This is Me" recently won "Best Original Song" during the recent Golden Globes. So, despite not knowing any of the songs, there I was, wanting to get up from my seat to stomp my feet and start to singing and dancing.

I loved the transitions used in the film, it had that theater feel, where one dance twirl would move the story nine months forward, aside from that it is visually appealing, it keeps the story at a quick pace. 

Additional praise for incorporating sound effects in the film to give emphasis to the songs. I'm a real sucker for that!   

The story follows a pretty simple format, P.T. Barnum (Hugh Jackman) is a poor tailor's son, who works for the rich Halletts, P.T. falls in love with the Hallett's daughter Charity (Michelle Williams) and they marry years later and have two daughters. 

Charity is happy with their simple life but Barnum wants more, after being laid off work, he gets a bank loan (through not so honest means) and starts his "business venture" which through some changes becomes "Barnum's Circus". 

Aside from being a music nerd, I'm pretty much a history buff and while I already mentioned that the artistic liberties taken and historical inaccuracies in the film can be disappointing and deceiving, there really is more to the story of P.T. Barnum and his circus than the movie lets on. 

Some of the characters in the film, are even composite characters (composite characters are made up of more than one individual). A quick Google search will make for additional history lessons, just in case you are interested. 

Its also interesting to note that when the film was released in the US in December of 2017, this was seven months seven months after the circus stopped operating (after a 146-year run), amid animal cruelty cases and a decline in ticket sales.    

Okay. I know its not a happy thought but just in case you guys needed a little reminder, you might also want to think of it in a way, that this is the closest to a Circus you will probably be, also so you know what to say to your kids when they ask. 

Historical inaccuracies aside, the film also celebrates being different and unique and raising your freak flag high! Nowadays, we have supermodels who suffer from skin disorders like Vitiligo but its always a good reminder for us to be more accepting of the outcasts of society and those who are different from us. It still makes me sad when I hear of stories of bullying and this goes beyond being bullied for your physical appearance but other aspects as well (interest and passions, mental health, social status, among others).         

This review will not be complete, without singing praise for the performance of Hugh Jackman, Zac Effron, Zendaya and Michelle Williams. 

We all know that Huge Jackman-errr Hugh Jackman (watch the hilarious Crosswalk Musical of "The Greatest Showman" on The Late, Late Show With James Corden here) is the ultimate triple threat and he definitely delivered on the expectations of him, being 'the greatest showman' -so to speak, so I will just leave it at that. 

Michelle Williams has a slew of awards under her name but I didn't know she was such a good singer and dancer! Okay, so she does Broadway too-my bad! 

It was really a pleasant surprise to see her sing and dance with Hugh Jackman! 

Can I just say that I am so happy to see Zac Efron put his High School Musical props to good use in this film, I've kind of gotten tired of him doing adult romantic comedies. Its nice to see him put those pecs to good use with those impressive dance moves while belting out those tunes. 

Now, I don't really follow the career of Zendaya since she is from a younger generation of entertainers, I first saw her in Spiderman: Homecoming and I must say that this Tita of Manila was really impressed with her voice, her trapeze act and chemistry with Zac Efron was on point.  

8 out of 10. "The Greatest Showman" is a musical spectacle which will make you stomp your feet and whose music will stir and move you; its story telling through music is a sensory overload. Although liberties taken with the artistic license, AKA historical inaccuracies and a rather simple and predictable story was the price that had to be paid but its all worth it, for a memorable cinematic and musical experience. 

"The Greatest Showman" will be having previews on January 22 and 23, before being released nationwide on January 31. 

The soundtrack to the film is already available for streaming on Spotify, you can follow me ica_cheng for my personal favorites from the OST. :)



    

Movies: A Spellbinding Spectacle Awaits In The Movie Musical “The Greatest Showman” On January 31

Step into the most thrilling world of showbiz and how it all began in the most anticipated musical “The Greatest Showman” overflowing with a talented cast that includes Hugh Jackman, Zac Efron, Michelle Williams, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson and Keala Settle.  Directed by Michael Gracey, who makes his directorial film debut in “The Greatest Showman”, the larger-than-life musical movie also features original songs from Academy Award winners Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (who composed songs from the highly-acclaimed “La La Land”).

“The Greatest Showman”, inspired by the legend and ambitions of America’s original pop-culture impresario, P.T. Barnum, is an inspirational rags-to-riches tale of a brash dreamer who rose from nothing to prove that anything you can envision is possible and that everyone, no matter how invisible, has a stupendous story worthy of a world-class spectacle.

Australian filmmaker Gracey bring to life a story that, in the larger-than-life spirit of Barnum that bursts into a boldly imagined fictional realm, one full of infectious pop tunes, glam dances and a celebration of the transformative power of showmanship, love and self-belief as Academy Award® nominee Hugh Jackman immerses audiences in the very origins of mass entertainment and mega-celebrities in the 70s … the 1870s that is.

Movies: This Is It! “The Greatest Showman” Full Trailer Reveal

Brace for a deeply moving spectacle in the world of showbiz with the full trailer reveal of “The Greatest Showman”.   GREATEST SHOWMAN full trailer

Hugh Jackman stars as the legendary P.T. Barnum in “The Greatest Showman,” a heartwarming musical film inspired by the life of the man who invented show business.  Magical and moving, it’s a rags-to-riches story about a visionary who transformed entertainment with his legendary circus.  Michelle Williams stars as Barnum’s wife, Charity. Zac Efron plays his protégée and business partner. The film also features compelling performances by Rebecca Ferguson and Zendaya.

Directed by Michael Gracey, with soaring music from Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, the movie is infused with strong themes about imagination, acceptance, and family.

“The Greatest Showman” opens January 31, 2018  in cinemas from 20th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.

Follow 20th Century Fox (Ph) on Facebook, 20thcenturyfoxph on IG and YouTube,  @20centuryfox on Twitter

Movies: “The Greatest Showman” Character Posters Reveal

Michelle Williams and Hugh Jackman

From Academy Award winners Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, lyricists of La La Land comes the bold and original musical “The Greatest Showman” with a stellar cast that includes Hugh Jackman as P.T. Barnum, Zac Efron as Phillip Carlisle, Michelle Williams as Charity Barnum, Rebecca Ferguson as Jenny Lind, Zendaya as Anne and Keala Settle as Lettie, the movie directed by Michael Gracey.

“The Greatest Showman” features powerful original music and songs that celebrates the birth of show business and the sense of wonder we feel when dreams come to life. Inspired by the ambition and imagination of P.T. Barnum, “The Greatest Showman” tells the story of a visionary who rose from nothing to create a mesmerizing spectacle that became a worldwide sensation.

A cinematic and immersive experience with a highly-inspirational story, “The Greatest Showman” opens January 31 in Philippine cinemas from 20th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.  Follow 20th Century Fox (Ph) on Facebook,  20thcenturyfoxph on IG and YouTube, @20centuryfox on Twitter.

Movies: Hugh Jackman, Zac Efron, Michelle Williams And Zendaya In “Greatest Showman” Teaser Trailer

Prep up for the most wonderful time at the movies as 20th Century Fox teases with the initial trailer of “The Greatest Showman” starring an exciting cast of performers led by Academy Award nominee Hugh Jackman, Zac Efron, Academy Award nominee Michelle Williams and Zendaya. (Teaser trailer link - https://youtu.be/Wm311a3jUBw).

“The Greatest Showman” is a bold and original musical that celebrates the birth of show business and the sense of wonder we feel when dreams come to life. Inspired by the ambition and imagination of P.T. Barnum, “The Greatest Showman” tells the story of a visionary who rose from nothing to create a mesmerizing spectacle that became a worldwide sensation. Barnum rose from nothing to create the “Greatest Show on Earth,” the movie celebrates of his larger-than-life imagination that captivated audiences around the globe.

“The Greatest Showman” is directed by exciting new filmmaker, Michael Gracey, with powerful original music and songs by Academy Award winners Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (“La La Land”).

Opening on January 24, 2018 – “The Greatest Showman” is from 20th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros. (in Phils.).

Movie Review: Logan

"Logan" is the anti-thesis of every superhero movie that has come out in the last few years, strangely, even to the franchise it belongs to. No shiny costumes or magnificent battles 

For 17 years and 9 movies, Hugh Jackman being cast as Wolverine has redefined the character as we know it. Even though we never saw him in the show-stopping blue and yellow spandex, he has become-to generations-the Wolverine. 

Unfortunately the movies that have come along this 'perfect casting' have not been so smooth sailing. (I hated the Origins Movie, while Logan's adventure in Japan was oh-kay). 

Logan steps away from the typical superhero genre by embracing a tone and feel that is uniquely its own. A fitting farewell to an iconic character be showing his weakness rather than his strength, focusing his humanity rather than what makes him a mutant. 

The film is the Wolverine movie we've all been waiting for, the modern western themes, tugging at the heart strings drama (which will make you cry) make for a cinematic experience you should not miss. 

Of course "Logan is not just all about Hugh Jackman's praise worthy swan song. The performances of Patrick Stewart as an ailing Professor X and a feisty newcomer Dafne Keen as Laura, are also worth noting. 

The relationship of Logan with these characters also drives the movie forward-to a place where other super hero movies have yet to take their viewers. 

Watching Charles and Logan argue and banter is both hilarious and heartbreaking as it is but another reflection of the degradation of these once powerful mutants. Of course a clueless Logan trying to "parent" Laura also had that heartwarming and hilarious combination. 

9/10 - "Logan" is a heartbreaking masterpiece, a just farewell to a character that has graced the big screen and has been admired by fans of all ages, It is a Greek tragedy worthy of a true hero's end. 

Logan is still showing in cinemas.  

MOVIES: WOLVERINE’S BERSERKER RAGE UNLEASHED LIKE NEVER BEFORE IN “LOGAN”

Hugh Jackman and highly-acclaimed director James Mangold take the iconic Wolverine character to new heights in this year’s highly-anticipated “Logan”.   From their previous collaboration on the phenomenally successful “The Wolverine” in 2003 that won praise for its careful parsing of Logan’s inner tumult rather than the over-the-top action, Jackman and Mangold once again team up to give the audience the most unforgettable journey with Wolverine in “Logan”.

Even before embarking on the project, Jackman and Mangold understood that the story needed to exist apart from the dense and heady mythology of the larger X-Men franchise. Specifically, Mangold, who wrote the “Logan” script with co-scripter Scott Frank and Michael Green, set out to create a character-driven piece that would focus on Logan (Jackman), Xavier (Patrick Stewart) and Laura (newcomer Dafne Keen) as they made their way across a barren landscape. “I had this kind of strange vision in my head that I wanted to make a road movie with these characters, in a way almost trapping myself as a filmmaker,” Mangold says.

“The idea with this film was to find him in a state where his ability to heal is extremely diminished,” Mangold says. “His strength is diminished. His own health and his mental state are dark.”

MOVIES: “LOGAN” MIDNIGHT SCREENINGS SET ON MARCH 1, WEDNESDAY (12:01AM) NATIONWIDE

Responding to the fever-pitch anticipation of Hugh Jackman’s “Logan”, the most eager of cineastes who want to see it first can finally catch the movie on its midnight screenings (12:01am) set on March 1, Wednesday in Philippine theatres nationwide (check your nearest favorite theatres).

Starring Hugh Jackman in the title role, “Logan” is directed by James Mangold that also stars a powerhouse of a cast that includes Patrick Stewart, Boy Holbrook, Stephen Merchant, Richard E. Grant and newcomer Dafne Keen. A standalone story that sees Jackman in the final chapter of his Wolverine alter-ego, the movie brings the iconic hero at a crossroads that will finally define his destiny.

The film takes place more than 50 years after the events depicted in “X-Men: Days of Future Past” and is its own standalone tale that plays more like an intimate family journey but is also packed with high-stakes action scenes.  When the film opens, Logan is in a vulnerable and broken state, the curse of his immortality wearing heavy on him as he cares for a weakened Charles Xavier (Patrick Stewart) in a derelict smelting plant at the edge of an abandoned oil field. They’re joined there by a third mutant, Caliban (The Office co-creator Stephen Merchant), sheltering in obscurity at a time when the world believes mutants have passed into history.

But Logan’s days of drinking in relative solitude are interrupted when he finds himself the reluctant guardian of a young girl, Laura (Keen) who has powers remarkably like his own, from her hands as well as her feet spring the same adamantium claws as Wolverine’s. Not that he’s exactly eager to accept this newfound responsibility—he’s far too weary to play the hero once more.

Tasked with protecting her from the murderous cybernetic criminal Donald Pierce (Holbrook), Logan and Professor X set out to cross hostile territory to ferry Laura to a place called Eden, where young mutants are said to enjoy safe haven. But Pierce and his fearsome army of cyborg Reavers are determined to return the girl to the custody of Dr. Zander Rice (Grant), the sinister geneticist behind Alkali who triggered her mutations through a series of inhumane experiments in the hopes of creating a child super-soldier.    

“Logan” further unleashes its claws a few hours after its midnight screenings (with more screens) on March 1 in cinemas nationwide from 20th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros. Also available in IMAX (2D) screens.   The movie is rated R-16 by the MTRCB.

Here's a list of confirmed theaters for LOGAN's Midnight Screening

Century 2D

Eastwood 2D

EVIA MX4D

Fishermall 2D

Gaisano Davao 2D

Gaisano Tagum 2D

Gateway ATMOS

Glorietta 4 2D

Greenbelt 3 2D

Newport 2D

Powerplant ATMOS

SM Aura 2D & IMAX

SM BF 2D

SM Cebu IMAX

SM Clark 2D

SM Fairview 2D

SM Light Mall 2D

SM Mall of Asia IMAX

SM Megamall IMAX

SM North Edsa IMAX

SM Pampanga 2D

Starmall Alabang ATMOS

Starmall EDSA 2D

Starmall Las Piñas 2D

Starmall San Jose ATMOS

Trinoma 2D

Vista Bataan ATMOS

Vista Pampanga ATMOS

Vista Sta. Rosa ATMOS

Vista Taguig ATMOS

MOVIES: HUGH JACKMAN SHARES SCREEN WITH NEWCOMER DAFNE KEEN IN “LOGAN”

Wolverine’s next of kin, Laura aka X-23 is finally revealed in “Logan,” the defining chapter in the cinematic saga of one of the greatest comic book heroes ever created from visionary writer-director James Mangold. Hugh Jackman stars in the title role, alongside Patrick Stewart (“X-Men: Days of Future Past”), Stephen Merchant, Richard E. Grant and newcomer Dafne Keen. The film is produced by blockbuster filmmakers Hutch Parker, Simon Kinberg and Lauren Shuler Donner.

When the film opens, Logan is in a vulnerable and broken state, the curse of his immortality wearing heavy on him as he cares for a weakened Charles Xavier (Stewart) in a derelict smelting plant at the edge of an abandoned oil field. They’re joined there by a third mutant, Caliban (Merchant), sheltering in obscurity at a time when the world believes mutants have passed into history.  But Logan’s days of drinking in relative solitude are interrupted when he finds himself the reluctant guardian of a young girl, Laura (newcomer Keen) who has powers remarkably like his own: from her hands as well as her feet spring the same adamantium claws as Wolverine’s. Not that he’s exactly eager to accept this newfound responsibility—he’s far too weary to play the hero once more.

Tasked with protecting her from the murderous cybernetic criminal Donald Pierce (Boyd Holbrook), Logan and Professor X set out to cross hostile territory to ferry Laura to a place called Eden, where young mutants are said to enjoy safe haven.

MOVIES: HUGH JACKMAN ONE LAST TIME AS THE WOLVERINE IN “LOGAN” - MARCH 1 IN PHILIPPINE CINEMAS

Academy Award-nominated, Golden Globe- and Tony Award-winning performer Hugh Jackman first brought his electrifying energy to the mutant known as Wolverine way back in 2000 in the film that launched the modern-day comic-book blockbuster, director Bryan Singer’s original X-Men. Since then, the acclaimed Australian actor has slipped into the skin of the world’s most famous mutant a record 10 times on the big screen. But this time, with “Logan”, Jackman had the chance to craft something truly special laying to rest his longtime screen alter ego.
           
Highly-regarded filmmaker James Mangold helms the defining chapter in the cinematic saga of one of the greatest comic book heroes ever created in “Logan” where Jackman stars alongside Patrick Stewart (“X-Men: Days of Future Past”), Stephen Merchant, Boyd Holbrook, Richard E. Grant and newcomer Dafne Keen.   “Logan” sees Hugh Jackman reprise his iconic role as The Wolverine for one, final time in a raw, powerfully dramatic standalone story of sacrifice and redemption.

“Logan” is set at the backdrop of 2029 where mutants are gone—or very nearly so. An isolated, despondent Logan is drinking his days away in a hideout on a remote stretch of the Mexican border, picking up petty cash as a driver for hire. His companions in exile are the outcast Caliban and an ailing Professor X, whose singular mind is plagued by worsening seizures. But Logan’s attempts to hide from the world and his legacy abruptly end when a mysterious woman appears with an urgent request—that Logan shepherd an extraordinary young girl to safety. Soon, the claws come out as Logan must face off against dark forces and a villain from his own past on a live-or-die mission, one that will set the time-worn warrior on a path toward fulfilling his destiny.

From the outset, Jackson’s always had a gift for locating Logan’s humanity beneath his gruff, deeply scarred exterior. But with this nuanced, deeply moving performance, the actor brings the character full circle—the cigar-chomping, hard-charging loner is now a steadfastly loyal comrade-in-arms willing to sacrifice everything for what he believes.

“We wanted something that would feel very different, very fresh and ultimately something very human,” Jackson says, “because it seems to me that the strength of X-Men and the strength of Wolverine is more his humanity than his superpower. In exploring this character for the last time, I wanted to get to the heart of who that human was, more than what his claws can do.”

“There was a moment that I came to terms with the fact that this was my last one,” Jackman says. “I love this character, and he’s been amazing to me. I’d be lying if I said that I would have been okay if I didn’t feel everything was left on the table. And I mean everything. Every day, every scene was a kind of battle to get the best out of that character, to get the best out of me.” Concludes Jackman: “There was an element of life and death about it—I know that sounds dramatic, but that’s how it felt.”

Claws out on the must-see motion picture event of the year on March 1 when “Logan” finally bows in Philippine cinemas nationwide, from 20th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.

MOVIES: “LOGAN The Wolverine” TRAILER #2 REVEAL

20th Century Fox has just released Trailer #2 of the most anticipated movie this year “Logan The Wolverine” featuring a thrilling series of action-packed scenes and intense moments introducing a young mutant girl, Laura (played by Dafne Keen), who possesses the same powerful claw and strength like The Wolverine.  Laura, as seen in the trailer is being protected by Logan (Hugh Jackman) and Professor X (Patrick Stewart) from groups of armed men wanting to take her.

Directed by James Mangold, “Logan The Wolverine” will open in Philippine cinemas nationwide on March 1 (Wednesday) from 20th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.

Trailer link:  https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=gdsz4XFc1Kk

Movies: Last Wolverine Movie Title + Poster Revealed! In Cinemas March 2017!

Hugh Jackman finally revealed the official title of the latest Wolverine movie as “Logan” along with a teaser poster showing his bruised claw held by a much smaller hand.

“Logan” director James Mangold (directed “The Wolverine”, 2013) also shared page 2 of the movie’s screenplay on Twitter that read “In this flick, people will get hurt or killed when shit falls on them.  They will get just as hurt or just as killed if they get hit with something big and heavy, like, say, a car.  Should anyone in our story have the misfortune to fall off a roof or out a window, they won’t bounce.  They will die.” 

Director Mangold further revealed that Logan being older and in a drunken state, engages in action with his claws extended but is soon pounded with knives, guns and fists. 

“Logan” is Hugh Jackman’s last donning of the Wolverine character and from his recent interview with Collider, Hugh Jackman admitted that he feels the pressure has gone the highest notch ever.  "I feel that I'm pushing harder than I've ever pushed before. I suppose the stakes just go up when you announce before your last season that this is your last season, you don't want one game to not be your best.  People ask me, 'How are you gonna be able to let it go?' To me the only way you can let it go is if you left blood every day on the studio floor."

“Logan” will open in Philippine cinemas on March 1, 2017 

from 20^th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros. 

Wolverine is back on the Big Screen

Everyone's favorite mutant (favorite pertaining to popular) Wolverine is back on the big screen. After lead roles in all three X-Men movies, a hilarious cameo in X-Men: First Class and a not so popular X-Men:Origins: The Wolverine movie; Logan is back with a stand alone sequel to X-Men 3: The Last Stand and this is the action filled The Wolverine. 

Stricken by guilt at having killed Jean Grey/The Dark Phoenix, Logan is plagued by loneliness, being a century old mutant and watching the people you love (sometimes at his own hands) can really get really old, really fast. 

The uninspired and vulnerable mutant is thrown into a battle royale of ninjas, samurais, the Yakuza and the good old bad mutant as he travels to modern day Japan and is reunited with an old friend whom he saved 60 years ago in WWII. 

While every one is looking forward to the amazing fights in the film, (bullet trains, ninja, a cyber samurai-what else can you ask for?) the viewers will also get a front seat to view to the real battle and that is the one going on within Logan who has been dealing with the burden of immortality all of his life - What if he doesn't want it anymore? in the movie, Logan is offered mortality, the chance to die like any one else and after travelling the world for a century, this is indeed very tempting to him. 

Hugh Jackman who not only plays The Wolverine but is also an executive producer in the film, says that "This story takes Wolverine into a world that is vastly different from any seen before in the X-Men series- it's visually different and the tone is different. There are a lot of battles in the story, but the greatest battle of all is the one within Logan, between being a monster and becoming a human being". This chapter of Wolverine's legacy is a rare chance to see his character at a vulnerable and indestructible state.  

The Wolverine without his healing powers shows us the mutant in a never before seen light-he can actually die and this just multiplies the interesting factor in The Wolverine.