emaxman said: "Am I the only one who feels eh towards this musical? Should I watch the movie first?"
I'd watch the movie first. If you still feel "eh" or "meh" towards it, then at least you now have a more solid reason for it rather than prejudging it based on the art, preconceived notions on what you THINK it's about, and the fact it took the Winter Garden when you really wanted it for Moulin Rouge.