Movie: Greatest Showman
Rating: PG
Rating Suggestion: We would suggest this movie for families! I would say that ages 7 and up would enjoy the musical. Parents should be aware that there is some very minor violence and drinking.
Running Time: 1 hr. 45 min.
Release Date: 12/20/2017
Themes: Dreams, Relationships, Cliques, Isolation, Snobbery, Marital Faithfulness, Critics
Summary: Sometimes our dreams seem impossibly out of reach and unrealistic. Follow Barnum on his musical journey as he ignores the critics and wades straight into the unknown to find out what success means. A great family musical- but not in the style you’re used to! A fun watch with great acting and an amazing soundtrack! Check out our Greatest Showman Discussion Questions below.
Greatest Showman Discussion Questions:
1) What makes you unique or different? How can you use that to encourage/ be helpful to others?
2) How can we accept those that are different than us and treasure them? Why should we?
3) Who or what did the critic in the movie represent to you? How do we know when to use criticism in positive ways and when to walk away from it?
4) In the movie, Barnum rediscovered who his anchor was- the relationships that were the most important. Who are your anchors?
5) How does wealth and faithfulness play into the characters purpose and happiness?
6) What is your dream? What dreams have you already achieved? (Even pre-schoolers have dreams!)
7) What did you think about this style of musical?
The Greatest Showman Discussion and Review from our team:
Thoughts from the Princess:
1) this was one of my favorite movies of all time. The music was wonderful and did not feel forced in or like they were randomly breaking into song. It was amazing.
2) The themes of acceptance, loving yourself and others, and learning to be content while still striving for more were all displayed in beautiful, insightful, and captivating ways.
3) This movie displayed a beautiful family that was started and grew through dreams and love while learning to also be content. A beautiful reminder to always dream and strive for more but to realize what I have right in front of me is more than enough no matter how big or small!
4) In the end I wanted to go see this movie again right away and have listened to the soundtrack twice in one day.
Thoughts from the Ranger:
1) This was one of the best movies I’ve seen in my lifetime. The attention to detail was very apparent. The music and cinematography were amazing. I felt as though I was watching these people in real life or a theater production and not in a movie.
2) The way that Barnum took the criticism of others and used it for good is a great example of positive thinking.
3) this movie has personally inspired me to chase my dreams and to chase the future I want to have, and yet reminded me of the beauty that is right in front of me.
Thoughts from the Queen:
1) Although the crowd definitely plays a part in the story, what I was drawn to was how individuals responded to their circumstances and opportunities.
2) Of course, the major storyline is about Barnum realizing his dreams for building a world of possibilities. But each of the characters had their own situations and worlds they had to overcome and choose to shine in.
3) Another theme I was drawn to was the temptation of greed – to not be content with or loyal to that which we’ve been given or to those who have carried us.
4) In the end, I came away with a greater passion for loving others from every sphere and commitment to my first love – my husband, and to the Lord of my life.
Thoughts from the Hobbit:
1) I think older kids will appreciate more than younger ones, although the soundtrack is going to be a huge hit.
2) I see that critics are upset that a critic gets a bad rep in the film – which is somewhat hilarious.
3) And, needless to say, the movie is not literal – it contains some facts but is not intended to be a documentary.
4) I am excited about the wealth of conversation topics that this movie provides parents! Bullying, looking at the inside of the person, cliques, snobbery, money does not provide happiness, marital faithfulness, peer pressure – my goodness! You could talk for an hour or more.
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If you could be in the circus- what would your talent be?
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We hope you enjoyed our Greatest Showman Discussion Guide and Review! We think you might enjoy the movie Instant Family, Aladdin, or Tolkien as well.
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