Review of Sing (2016) by Dana F — 09 Jul 2017

I'm shocked that it took so long for Hollywood to make a movie about a singing competition. This movie is more than a little behind the times, since the peak of singing-based reality TV shows seems to have passed about 5 years ago at least.

So, the topic is not quite as relevant as it could have been when American Idol was in its heyday, but the story still sells. The plot is pretty basic - a misfit bunch of characters aspiring to achieve their dream to.

.. SING. As with American Idol, the auditions are the best part, as many were laugh-out-loud funny (in a charming way, not in the mean-spirited William Hung kind of way). Matthew McConaughey voices showrunner Buster Moon, a bizarro Simon Cowell who creates a singing competition to save his dying theater.

He's technically the main character, but he's the one you care least about... it's the contestants that make this movie. The film's greatest achievement is in its successful development of a collection of entirely sympathetic and relatable characters who are all so easy to root for.

I especially have a soft spot for Meena, a sweet and shy elephant with an angel's voice who suffers from paralyzing performance anxiety - she is the poster child for anyone with natural talent obscured by insecurity.

The story is well-written with some truly funny moments, and the song selection is incredible (a ton of the film's budget was spent on obtaining rights to these songs, and it shows). Even better, the voice talent actually have voices! The film boasts almost exclusively big name actors, who normally turn out to be not such great singers, but they are all surprisingly good.

I can't believe I'm saying this, but Seth MacFarlane's rendition of "My Way" rivals Sinatra (that's right, I said it!). But more than anything, there is a joy about this movie that I responded to, an unabashed positivity that is infectious (and doesn't drip with the usual heavy glob of cheese).

It's a nice reminder that not every children's movie has to have a deep philosophical message; a simple, positive message works just as well. These are characters who are living up to their potential despite the odds, overcoming their inhibitions, and fulfilling their dreams.

.. even if it doesn't mean overt success. What's not to love?