REVIEW: “Sing” entertains while delivering powerful message

By Elissa Koh,
BlueDevilHUB.com Editor–

Lights…Camera…Action! After its success with three installments of “Despicable Me,” Illumination Entertainment returns with its newest movie “Sing,” proving the entertainment company has not lost its touch.

Directed by Garth Jennings, “Sing” is a animated musical comedy film following the lives of six lovable characters from completely different backgrounds–from Rosita (Reese Witherspoon), mother of 25 piglets, to Johnny (Taron Egerton), a gorilla who is caught up in his father’s world of robbing banks, to Meena (Tori Kelly) who is a young, shy elephant with a severe case of stage fright–but all have the same goal: to pursue their dream of singing.

Driven by this collective passion for singing, these musically talented animals, which also include the tiny but arrogant mouse Mike (Seth MacFarlane) and teenage punk rocker porcupine Ash (Scarlett Johansson), are cast for a show run by Buster Moon (Matthew McConaughey), a cheerful koala who hopes to rescue his theater from closure through a local singing competition.

However, obstacles come in the way of them achieving their dreams and they are forced to reconsider whether their dreams are worth achieving.

Although “Sing” is not anything new, with a cliché and predictable storyline, it is one worth watching for the humorous and meaningful moments that occur throughout the film.

The message of overcoming fears and achieving dreams was displayed well through the entertaining and charming characters, was straightforward, yet heartwarming.

To contrast the fleeting somber moments, the movie contained impressive and humorous musical performances as many familiar, catchy songs were included and performed in comical ways, such as “Shake it Off” by Taylor Swift and “Don’t Worry ‘Bout a Thing” by Stevie Wonder, making the characters more lovable and endearing.

With its popular soundtrack and simple, easy-to-understand plot, “Sing” is an satisfying, lighthearted film perfect for kids to watch and enjoy during the holidays. Viewers will go through an abundance of emotions ranging from laughter and happiness to sorrow and heartache.

Despite the fact that the movie is targeted for more of a younger audience, “Sing” is bound to hit a soft spot in anyone’s heart.