The Greatest Showman Review: 5 Ups & 4 Downs

2. Michael Gracey's Stylish Direction

Watching the film, it's pretty tough to believe this is the feature debut of director Michael Gracey, who delivers stylish, dynamic visuals for the most part, even if his lack of experience may account for the narrative feeling a little rushed at times.

The movie's highlight, a song and dance routine in which Jackman and Efron's characters strike a deal to work together while downing countless shots in a bar, boasts all the stylistic aplomb of a classic movie musical, with slick, tight camerawork, precise editing and fantastic choreography.

For a debut, it's a hell of a calling card, and with a better script to work from for his next movie, Gracey could have a bright future as a filmmaker.