The team that brought us “Despicable Me” and “Minions”‘- Illumination Entertainment, brings us the animated musical “SING”.
Buster Moon (voiced by Matthew McConaughey), has achieved his childhood dream of owning a theater. Business have become bleak, the once grand Moon Theater is in disrepair. With the bank ready to repo the property, in a stroke of desperation, Buster comes up with the idea that a singing competition would be the solution. Aided by his trusty assistant, Miss Crawley, Buster begins the audition to find the next big star.
The audition brings out all creatures great and small; from Meena, the shy elephant with the gift of song (voiced by the exceptionally talented Tori Kelly) to Mike, the mouse (voiced by Seth MacFarlane) a crooner who is out for himself. The rag-tag bunch includes Rosita (voiced by Reese Witherspoon), the stay at home mom who feels like she has lost who she was, paired with Gunther (voiced by Nick Kroll) the dancer with the greatest self image ever. Johnny (voiced by Taron Egerton) the dedicated son who does not want to go into the family business with his dad, who instead wants to sing. Rounding out the performers is Ash (voiced by Scarlett Johansson) the timid girl that breaks out into an angst-y rocker that just wants to play her music.
The story is cute and charming with some laugh-snort moments. We are given glimpses into the lives of each performer, providing us with the background on what motivates each to be in the competition. We also get some history of Buddy, how he came to own the theater, his best friend Eddie (voiced by John C. Reilly) and Eddie’s Grandmother (Older Nana – voiced by Jennifer Saunders, Younger Nana – voiced by Jennifer Hudson). The last third is the best part of the film. We finally see each performance where we were only given little glimpses prior. There are some surprising performances. I had no idea that Taron Egerton, who plays Johnny, the silverback(The Kingsmen, Eddie the Eagle) sings so beautifully. The highlight for me is when Tori Kelly (Meena) sings the Stevie Wonder tune “Don’t You Worry ‘Bout A Thing.” Her rendition lives on still as my earworm.
I was pleasantly surprised by the film, I definitely did not expect it to be quite as enjoyable. It’s not “Despicable Me” or” Minions”, it is a fun family movie that is worth watching that has laughs for the adults as well.
3.5 Stars out of 5
“Sing” opens nationwide on Wednesday, December 21st.
Second Review by Barnetty Kushner
From the studio that brought your those loveable Minions, Sing is the
animal world’s animated version of American Idol. This film takes place in
a city entire populated by animals. These aren’t just your run of the mill
pets. These animals walk, talk, get dressed and live their lives exactly
like the human race. Buster Moon (Matthew McConaughey) is a smart talking,
hustling Koala bear that spends his days trying to keep the doors open of
his struggling run-down theater.
Having gotten in over his head in debt,
Buster hatches a plan to host a live singing competition. Animals from all
over show up for a shot to be the next big singer. After a slew (65 to be
exact) of pop music song renditions from many contestants, Buster
manages to narrow the pack down t a few: Rosita (Reese Witherspoon), a
pig housewife stuck in the monotonous rut of taking care of the home, 20+
piglets, and a non-attentive husband. Johnny (Taron Egerton), a gorilla who
would rather belt out beautiful musical numbers than continue working the
crooked family business of robbery and theft. Then there is Ash (Scarlett
Johansson), a punk rock porcupine that has been living in the shadow
singing back up to her selfish lead singer boyfriend. Bonds are made and
some are broken when trouble ensues and it’s up to Buster to try to devise
a way out.
It’s been a pretty big year for movies about animals. Hot off the heels of
Secret Life of Pets, Storks, and Zootopia, Sing attempts a very similar approach to an anthropomorphic animal society.
The story line is very predictable and choppy. There were too many side stories, that you find
yourself lost at times trying to figure out what is going on. Although,
you can’t help but find yourself singing along with some of the music. The
character relationships were very genuine and heartwarming.
Story line aside, Sing has a very crowd pleasing appeal that is geared towards the
younger audiences. Kids will love it, parents will enjoy it, and lots of
singing along will be taking place.
3 out of 5 stars
