Sunny Side Up

In this heartwarming musical comedy, a down-on-his-luck carnival barker, P.T. Barnum (Mickey Rooney), struggles to keep his struggling circus afloat. He enlists the help of a young, aspiring performer and her family to put on a spectacular show that might just save the circus from financial ruin. Amidst the song and dance, they must overcome personal challenges and eccentric characters.

Sunny Side Up received a generally mixed to negative reception from critics, often cited for its thin plot and reliance on nostalgic musical numbers. However, audiences, particularly families, found some charm in its earnest performances and upbeat tone.

• The film's musical numbers are lively but can't quite carry the weak narrative.

• Mickey Rooney's performance is energetic, but the material is often uninspired.

• A predictable plot with moments of charm, mostly appealing to younger viewers.

Google audience: Audience reviews are scarce, but what is available suggests a division between those who found the film's musical elements enjoyable and nostalgic, and those who felt it lacked depth and originality.

Although released in 1985, 'Sunny Side Up' was filmed in 1976 and remained unreleased for nearly a decade due to distribution issues.