Sing: Movie Review

There isn’t a shortage of animated musicals in the multiplexes this season. With “Trolls” and “Moana” already released, the kiddies have a third option his week with “Sing”.  Matthew McConaughey, Reese Witherspoon, Seth MacFarlane, Scarlett Johansson, John C. Reilly, Taron Egerton and Grammy Award-nominated Tori Kelly all lend their voices to this charming story about a singing competition set in a world inhabited entirely by animals.

Dapper Koala, Buster Moon (McConaughey) loves the once-grand theater that he presides over.  As a kid, his father would take him there and when he was old enough, he bought the theater with the money his dad gave him. Unfortunately, the theater has fallen on hard times and he must find a way to raise the money needed so the bank won’t take it from him.  With his prior attempts to attract an audience failing, he finally comes up with one that might actually work.

After a hilarious display of musical auditions, five lead contestants are selected.  Mike (MacFarlane), a jazz-loving con-mouse,  Rosita (Witherspoon), a housewife and mother to a litter of 25 piglets, Johnny (Egerton), a gorilla who rather sing than commit crimes with his father,  and Ash (Johansson), a punk-rock porcupine who has always played back-up to her less talented boyfriend. Finally, there is Meena (Kelly), a shy, teenage elephant with an amazing voice and stage fright.  Meena blows her audition at first, but winds up securing a job as a stage-hand before she gets her big break.

The biggest problem with “Sing” is that much like the shows that inspired it (“American Idol”, “The Voice”), it isn’t very memorable. Sure, I enjoyed it while watching it but the story is so paper-thin that it just doesn’t leave a lasting impression.   Regardless, it is still a solid choice to take the little ones to and adults are likely to find some enjoyment with it as well.  All the music is great. How could it not be, they are mostly classic and modern hits.  The voice-cast is also really good.  I loved MacFarlane’s “Rat-Pack” inspired character, and I have probably never said this, but Johansson helped give the film one of its’ best characters.  If you are a fan of music and animation, then you may be singing to the tune of “Sing”.

By: Marc Ferman