SING (PG)

Released by Illumination Entertainment
Reviewed by Adam Mast

It’s been quite a stellar year for musicals. LA LA LAND, SING STREET, MOANA, POPSTAR (no, I’m not kidding), etc. Now, Illumination Animation gets in on the action with SING, an occasionally entertaining animated feature that might be best described as ZOOTOPIA meets “American Idol.”

In this lively, music-tinged romp, koala bear Buster Moon (Matthew McConaughey) hopes to restore his iconic theater back to its former glory by way of mounting a spectacular singing competition. Among the competitors; A gorilla (voiced by Taron Egerton) with daddy issues, a sweet-natured pig (voiced by Reese Witherspoon) whose rather large family may prevent her from achieving her dream, a rocking porcupine (voiced by Scarlett Johansson) looking to make it big for the sake of a relationship, an elephant (voiced by Tori Kelly) with stage fright, and a mouse (voiced by Seth MacFarlane) with an ego 1000 times his own size.

SING is an ensemble and while there are probably too many characters and subplots on display, this colorful film still manages to move at a fairly brisk pace. SING never dwells too much on any one subplot, because honestly, why belabor the point? At the same time, SING doesn’t shy away from delving a little into the struggles and hardships that come with “making it.” No, this isn’t an animated version of LA LA LAND by any stretch of the imagination, but still, SING does suggest that persistence, hard work, individuality, confidence, and yes, even a little luck are all part of making it in the business. Further still, SING is also honest enough to point out that rejection is often part of the game as well.

The jokes are hit and miss here and the character designs aren’t exactly on par with the likes of Pixar but there is an energy that takes SING a step above recent animated efforts such as TROLLS, STORKS and THE SECRET LIFE OF PETS. A lot of that energy has to do with the songs. SING features new renditions of tunes by the likes of The Beatles, Elton John, Cat Stevens, and Frank Sinatra just to name a few. And I’d be lying if I said I didn’t get a little misty eyed at the inclusion of iconic songs from 3 memorable musicians we lost in 2016. Yes, in it’s own way, SING serves as a loving and all too timely tribute to George Michael, David Bowie and, Leonard Cohen.

SING isn’t a classic but it has enough affectionate moments and toe tapping musical numbers that certainly make it worthy of a mild recommendation. Particularly the rousing final act in which these music loving animals with big dreams finally have an opportunity to perform in front of an enthusiastic crowd. In fact, the closing 20 minutes of SING was enough to inspire several viewers at the screening I attended–most of them kids– to cheer. If that’s not an endorsement, then I don’t know what is.