Sing

Movie Name: Sing
Year of Release: 2016

Director: Garth Jennings

Stars: Matthew McConaughey, Reese Witherspoon, Seth MacFarlane, Scarlett Johansson, John C. Reilly, Taron Egerton, Tori Kelly, Jennifer Saunders, Jennifer Hudson, Nick Kroll, Nick Offerman, Peter Serafinowicz, Leslie Jones

Genre: Animation, Musical, Comedy

Score out of ten (whole numbers only): 4
View Trailer Here

Synopsis:

Illumination Studios follows their successful "The Secret Life of Pets", with another animated musical feature. This is also director Garth Jennings' follow up feature to the underrated and delightful "Son of Rambow" (from 2007). "Sing" follows the story of Buster Moon, a joyful koala who has owned a musical theater for years. His productions don't generate much revenue, and he owes money to the bank. He comes up with the idea of having a talent show, one where the allure is the cash prize he's willing to put up. His secretary however makes a typo on the advertisement/pamphlet, and what was originally suppose to be $1,000 becomes $100,000. This of course generates an enormous interest from everyone in the city, and Buster ends up selecting an eclectic cast of singers for his show: Rosita, a stay at home mom/pig, Mike, a small time crook/mouse, Ash, a young struggling rock musician/porcupine, Johnny, a mobster son/gorilla and the reluctant Meena, a young powerhouse (elephant) uncertain of  her voice and worth. His money woes continue to be a huge obstacle for Buster, who tries to lure the powerful Nana Noodleman, a retired opera singer to become a sponsor for the show.
"Sing" is a film that again displays and showcases the amazing virtuosity of the animation teams from Illumination studios. The textures, colors, attention to detail are all there, however unlike "The Secret Life of Pets", "Sing" anchors its interest in the usage of pop tunes being sung by animals voiced in turn by well known actors. It's a premise that grows old a bit quickly, and lacks the excitement and joy (and almost surreality) that the studios prior releases had. Unlike most Pixar films, this film doesn't go beyond its premise and work on multiple story levels, particularly when compared to "Inside Out". It's a film that has some humorous moments, but the camera movements become repetitive after a while, and eventually the film lags (and lacks momentum). It's a film that still holds some rewards in some of the fantastic voice work from the talented cast.