The P.T. Barnum musical starring Hugh Jackman, Zac Efron, Michelle Williams, Rebecca Ferguson and Zendaya, is nominated for 3 Golden Globes and the Best Original Song Critics Choice Award. I rank the film’s 9 songs (no spoilers for those who haven’t seen it):
1. “THE GREATEST SHOW” – The perfect opening production number
2. “THIS IS ME” – The only song being put up for awards consideration, but it’s a strong one. Broadway vet Keala Settle pours her heart into this powerhouse anthem that’s perfect for the times.
3. “COME ALIVE” – The cast performed part of this infectious tune on FOX during “A Christmas Story Live”
4. “NEVER ENOUGH” – Ferguson’s Jenny Lind sings this one during one of the film’s best scenes.
5. “FROM NOW ON” – Simple, but electrifying
6. “A MILLION DREAMS” – Just as much of an earworm and right in line with the Broadway feel of all the others.
7. “REWRITE THE STARS” – Efron and Zendaya’s duet during a very romantic sequence may be the most modern of the bunch.
8. “TIGHTROPE” – Williams’ song isn’t as memorable, but it works well for her part of the story.
9. “THE OTHER SIDE” – Jackman and Efron sing this one in a bar. It’s not bad, but it’s the least-polished of the group.
Lights Camera Jackson (a.k.a. Jackson Murphy) began his career as a film critic/entertainment reporter in 2006 at the age of 7. Jackson has written nearly 1,000 reviews of new releases. All together he has seen more than 1,500 films. In 2010, Jackson became the youngest person to win a NY Emmy Award, for his on-air movie reviews on Time Warner TV station, Capital News 9.
Jackson is a member of the Broadcast Film Critics Association. The BFCA’s annual Critics Choice Awards is one of the industry’s most respected awards shows. Jackson is also a member of SAG-AFTRA. He votes annually for the Screen Actors Guild Awards.
LCJ appears every Friday morning on WGNA-FM . His movie reviews are also posted on his website, his YouTube channel and the popular website Cultjer.com. He is also a contributing writer for Jerry Beck’s AnimationScoop.com. Jackson hosts the weekly internet pop culture news show “LCJ LIVE” (every Sunday at Noon ET). And “The LCJ Q&A Podcast” features interviews with celebrities and filmmakers.