Beka P., Here…
SING is a film set in a world where animals act just as people do- they dress and talk like we do, they work like we do, they have vices and problems and dreams just like we do. They also have singing competitions like we do, but thankfully this is no American Idol. This film is an absolute delight. Whether you take your kids or go with adults, it’s honestly one of the most enjoyable films I’ve seen all year. Grown men all around me were laughing deep belly laughs, an older woman next to me was singing along, and the kids in the back were giggling with glee. It’s fun for everyone.
The story focuses on Buster Moon (voiced by Matthew McConaughey), a panda down on his luck. Back in the day his theater was the place to go, to see and be seen- but now Buster is struggling to pay bills and the theater is at risk for closing its doors. Through a clerical mishap caused by Buster’s right hand gal, a lizard named Miss Crawly (voiced by Garth Jennings who’s also the film’s Director and Writer), a singing competition with a $100,000 prize is advertised all over town. Enter a gang of characters who leave quite the lasting impression.
There’s Rosita (Reese Witherspoon), a mother to 23 piglets, who is begging to burst out of her mom jeans for a moment of individuality. There’s a gambling mouse (Seth McFarlane) who is far too big for his britches and could have been another member of the Rat-Pack (except he’s a mouse- har har). There’s Johnny (Taron Egerton), a gorilla destined to a life of crime if he sticks with the family business, but he yearns to croon soulful melodies. Meena (Tori Kelly), is larger than life as a teen elephant, but she can’t bring herself to sing in front of others.
Her voice shines in the film and each time Meena sings it is something special. Ash (Scarlett Johansson), is a grunge porcupine fresh off a breakup who uses that as material for writing original songs. And Finally Gunter (Nick Kroll), a sassy German pig who has a penchant for flare. These characters all come together to attempt to put on this singing competition despite the bumps along the way.
The film follows the characters individually as they battle with their own struggles and reasons for wanting to win the competition. It also follows them as a group as they come together, fall apart, and come together again. Their motives are ones the audience will identify with, and their triumphs are celebrated because you are rooting for each one in some way or another. The soundtrack is stellar- drawing from different decades and genres- it has something that everyone should be able to jam to. I can’t brag on this film enough. Take your kids, or don’t, but go see SING!
Highly Recommended!
-Beka Perlstein