Sing (2016/17)
Director: Garth Jennings
Starring: Taron Egerton, Reese Witherspoon, Tori Kelly, Jennifer Hudson, Matthew McConaughey, Seth MacFarlane, Scarlett Johansson, Peter Serafinowicz, John C. Reilly, Jennifer Saunders, Garth Jennings, Nick Kroll & Nick Offerman.
Plot: Theatre owner Buster Moon (Matthew McConaughey) launches a city-wide singing competition to save his beloved theatre from bankruptcy. He recruits a diverse group of anthropomorphic animals who audition and perform for a chance to win a cash prize and revive the venue.
Garth Jennings’ Sing (2017) is an animated musical that combines heartfelt emotion with broad comedy, brought to life by Illumination Entertainment. Known for family-friendly hits in contemporary animation, the studio provides a lively backdrop for this story about hope, reinvention and the power of performance. Sing blends energetic musical numbers with character-driven moments, delivering entertainment for both children and adults.
The film centers on Buster Moon, a bow-tie–wearing koala and the proud but struggling owner of a downtown theatre. The theatre has fallen into disrepair, and Moon faces imminent closure unless he can quickly find a way to bring audiences—and revenue—back to the venue. To save the theatre, he announces open auditions for a singing competition, promising a prize that will draw hopeful performers and curious crowds.
In a desperate attempt to promote the contest, Moon asks his elderly chameleon secretary, Miss Crawly, to prepare flyers listing the prize money. A comedic accident—Miss Crawly’s glass eye falls onto the keyboard—adds two extra zeros to the advertised jackpot, unintentionally transforming the modest reward into a wildly enticing sum. The mistake triggers a flood of applicants and sets the story in motion, even as Moon struggles to keep the theatre afloat and to maintain his dignity amid mounting setbacks.
The decaying theatre mirrors the personal struggles of the characters, creating a meaningful metaphor about second chances and the pursuit of dreams. The film leans into a classic “rock bottom” arc: characters hit low points and, through talent, perseverance and community, start climbing back up. Buster Moon’s journey—losing his job, facing homelessness and then rallying hopeful performers to stage impromptu shows—reflects that timeless rags-to-riches optimism, reimagined with talking animals and show-stopping performances.
Sing features a strong voice cast portraying a wide range of personalities. Taron Egerton voices Johnny, a soulful young gorilla who wants to escape his family’s criminal expectations and pursue music. Reese Witherspoon is Rosita, a hardworking mother of 25 piglets who longs to reclaim her identity through singing. Tori Kelly plays Meena, a shy elephant with an extraordinary voice, encouraged to try out by her supportive grandfather. Scarlett Johansson voices Ash, a rebellious teenage porcupine with an independent streak. Nick Kroll is Gunter, an exuberant and dance-loving pig, while Seth MacFarlane brings comic bravado to Mike, a self-assured mouse modeled on classic crooners. The cast delivers a variety of performances that range from humorous to deeply moving, and Jennifer Hudson provides a powerful presence in a pivotal role that showcases her vocal strength.
Musically, the film excels. It assembles a soundtrack that spans genres and eras, using familiar songs to highlight character arcs and emotional beats. Standout moments include bold solo performances and group numbers that reinforce the story’s themes—ambition, vulnerability and the joy of performing. Seth MacFarlane’s portrayal of Mike evokes the spirit of old-school showmanship, while many other performances add surprising depth and heart to the narrative.
Critically, one potential shortcoming is the film’s deliberate pacing in the opening act. The early setup focuses heavily on Buster Moon’s backstory and the theatre’s decline, which creates strong motivation but may feel slow to some younger viewers eager for more action. The ending, meanwhile, moves quickly through the aftermath of the competition and gives limited detail about each contestant’s long-term career trajectories—a choice that leaves some viewers wanting a fuller epilogue. Despite that, Sing maintains a consistent balance of humor and warmth, delivering laughter, emotional payoff and memorable musical sequences.
Overall, Sing is a charming animated musical with broad appeal. Jennings combines comedic timing, heartfelt moments and a varied ensemble to craft a film that celebrates resilience and artistic expression. Families, music lovers and fans of animated storytelling will find much to enjoy in this energetic, uplifting picture.
Score: 18/24
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