A recurring plot in many children’s and family movies seems to be about talking animals, real and animated.
When I first saw commercials for Sing, I doubted that it would be any different than any other kids movie centered around the fictitious adventures of animals, real and animated.
However, Sing hits a higher note that many family movies don’t reach.
The movie tells the tale of Buster Moon, an energetic koala who runs a local theater. With productions not bringing in enough money, the theater is in grave financial trouble and is even in danger of closing. However, Moon creates a production idea that he thinks will push his theater back on track: a singing competition.
Throughout the story, the audience follows the lives of the average, but very talented, animals who participate the singing production. From a busy pig, who is a stay-at-home mom, to a teenage gorilla who strives not to follow his father’s footsteps leading him to a life of crime, the animals in town step up to use their gifted voices and be who they want to be.
The characters are portrayed by a star-studded cast, including Matthew McConaughey as Buster Moon, Scarlett Johansson as Ash the porcupine, and Reese Witherspoon as Rosita the pig. There are also cast members who are fairly new to the singing and acting scene including Tori Kelly, who voices Meena, a shy teenage elephant who strives to find courage.
The cast does a great job of giving all of the animals energy and characteristics that make them unique. McConaughey strongly portrays Moon as an eager, happy-go-lucky koala with big ambitions and dreams for the theater. The singing in the movie is also magnificent, with Kelly providing Meena with a strong and powerful voice that every little girl who watches the movie will admire, as they will be able to see how having courage can lift a person up.
Unlike many children’s and family comedy movies, Sing gives a powerful message, while still telling an entertaining story. The movie expresses a message of bravery, courage and determination. It also portrays a theme of remaining true to yourself and not letting anything interfere with your dreams. These are important messages that everyone should learn, whether you are a child or an adult.
Sing is an entertaining, yet inspiring, movie that kids and adults alike will enjoy. With a great cast and theme, it is an inspirational movie that anyone of any age should see.
