Sing is an animated film with an American Idol theme. Will participating in a singing competition improve the lives of a diverse group of animals and the promoter sponsoring it? Check our review!
By: Lynn Barker
In Sing, animals behave like people. When a musical theater promoter, a koala named Buster Moon (voice of Matthew McConaughey), is down on his luck, he decides to sponsor a singing competition. No telling what life-changing developments will result for those who enter!
Promoter Buster Moon in his office
Buster’s Musical Obsession
Buster Moon has been hooked on musical theater since a tot when his dad took him to a show. Now, as an adult with wacky iguana assistant Karen Crawley (Garth Jennings) backing him, he keeps trying to put on successful productions but many bomb and his theater is headed for a shut-down. He plans with friend sheep Eddie Noodlemen (John C. Reilly) to save the theater by hosting a singing competition with a $1,000 prize (all the money he can raise).
Ms. Crawley announces the next contestant to BusterCourtesy of Universal Studios
Unhappy Future Contestants
Seems like animals all over the city are in crisis. Rosita (Reese Witherspoon) a talented singing mama pig, has given up on her dreams to raise 25 wild kids. She’s basically ignored by her workaholic husband Norman (Nick Offerman). Meena (Tori Kelly), an elephant, has an amazing singing talent but also horrible stage fright. Gorilla Johnny (Taron Egerton) is the son of a mobster who wants him to participate in heists rather than singing. Mouse Mike (Seth MacFarlane) sings like Frank Sinatra, thinks he’s “all that”, barely gets by but owes debts to angry bears. Punk-rocker porcupine Ash (Scarlett Johansson) sings and plays in a band with her boyfriend Lance (Beck Bennett) who keeps putting her down.
Rosita has to perform with the overbearing GunterCourtesy of Universal Studios
Whoops!
When the fliers Ms. Crawley prints up advertising the contest accidentally print a $100,000 prize instead of $1,000, way more contestants than expected show up to audition. Buster chooses Mike, Johnny, Rosita, Ash (not partner Lance) but Meena bombs her audition due to stage fright. Rosita is partnered with another pig contestant named Gunther (Nick Kroll). When Buster learns of the printing error, he says nothing to the contestants but starts trying to raise the big money.
Mike learns about the contestCourtesy of Universal Studios
Ash's voice blows Buster away!Courtesy of Universal Studios
Will the Show Go On?
Will Buster raise the money for his show and save his theater? Will Meena audition successfully again? Will Rosita be able to care for her family and participate? Will Ash succeed as a soloist? Will Johnny quit the crime game, sing and still please his dad? Will Mike be caught by bears he owes gambling debts to? If there is a show, who will win the competition?
Buster tries to give shy teen Meena confidenceCourtesy of Universal Studios
A load of would-be contestants show upCourtesy of Universal Studios
Wrapping Up
We saw Sing in 3-D and it looks and sounds great. The movie is an adorable, finger snapping, boogie down good time at the cinema. The classic song choices are wonderful and beautifully performed by some hot singers and some of the voice cast.
The voice cast with their characters
For example: "Faith (feat. Ariana Grande)" , "Let's Face the Music and Dance" sung by Seth MacFarlane, "I Don't Wanna" by Scarlett Johansson & Beck Bennett, “Venus: by Reese Witherspoon & Nick Kroll, "Hallelujah" performed by Tori Kelly, "I'm Still Standing" sung by Taron Egerton and "Golden Slumbers / Carry That Weight" by Jennifer Hudson. The soundtrack would make a great gift or keeper!
Johnny tries outCourtesy of Universal Studios
The film’s story is a classic one but the complications of each contestant will draw you in and you will root for all of these little guys to succeed. Why shouldn’t a cool, talented porcupine or a shy elephant with a golden voice win “American Idol” or “The Voice”? After seeing Sing, you might ask the question. The film’s story complications might be a bit hard for younger kids to keep track of but overall a good time for everyone. We go four stars. A fun choice during the holidays!
Sing Movie Rating:
Sing PosterCourtesy of Universal Studios
See Sing in theaters Wednesday, December 21st!
Have Your Say
Do you like musical films, especially animated ones? Do you sing or perform? Would you enter a performing competition? Leave a comment below.
