Watching, Thinking, Writing

There are fantastic themes involving family, accepting people who are different, accepting yourself, and breaking unjust social standards.

But it makes me feel things I don't want to feel. And because I don't want to feel those things—rejection, betrayal, embarrassment, anger—I get even more angry. See, with stories like these, I either (1) feel the negative parts very deeply, perhaps more deeply than most moviegoers, or (2) don't feel at all and I get bored. In this case, the music blasts past my defenses, so boredom isn't an option.

Even the music itself overwhelms me, especially at the volume we had the TV. I think I'd do better watching the musical scenes on my own, on my computer, with my headphones—able to fully enjoy the music and visuals on my terms.

There was little to stimulate my mind, no mystery or suspense, limited action... So, in sum, it pummeled me with emotions and sensations, and it gave me very little of the stuff I enjoy most in movies.

I respect The Greatest Showman and everyone behind it. It's a wonderful film. I understand why so many people love it. At the same time, I haven't had this negative a reaction to anything I've watched in a very long time. It is not for me.

Movie: Happiness, even though bad things will obviously happen.

Me: Okay, fine. I'll play.

Movie: So the MC did this avoidable thing, and he hurt people he cared about in the process. Cue bad stuff, which you predicted right after he started making his first dumb choice.

Me: For heaven's sake, what a FOOL. Excuse me, too annoyed to watch.

Movie: Time to be positive again! Happy ending!

Me: I mean, what kind of fool actually does that? Don't tell me—about a quarter of humans. But still. Why was that necessary?

Movie: Um... look. They're smiling. It's been patched up for literally ten whole minutes. It's all good now. Better than in the beginning, even.

Me: If he'd just had his priorities straight and listened to his wife for once, they'd never have gotten in that mess!

Movie: Look. Smiles. And happy end credit music.