Adding to their canon of Minions, Despicable Me, and The Secret Life of Pets Illumination Entertainment now released the latest in their string of animated capers Sing. As you have probably guessed the film revolves around music and follows a group of undiscovered animal singers competing in an X-Factor style competition, from the unappreciated house wife to the shy young girl with a big voice. The difference here being that all contestants are animals, with a Koala, Pig, Elephant, Gorilla. and Porcupine there is much to adore about this cute animated romp. Sadly, the film is overtly crammed with its musical gimmicks, choosing them over plot development to really capture a full audience.
When the once great Moon Theatre hits hard financial times, owner Buster Moon (Matthew McConaughey) hopes to design a show that will put it back on top. Moon proposes an X-Factor style competition to find the cities best singing talent. When a mishap means the contestants believe they will winner $100,000, the entire city tries out. Despite the mishap, the competition finds talent in Pig Rosita (Reese Witherspoon), Porcupine Ash (Scarlet Johansson), Gorilla Johnny (Taron Egerton,) and shy Elephant Meena (Tori Kelly). In face of the competition, they soon find themselves contending with different personal backlashes as well as the future of the theatre in their hands.
The film takes inspiration from the barrage of reality talent seeking television our screens have sadly become infested with. Here the cause behind the show is to save the theatre and ambitious Buster Moon brings all the characters together.
Following a range of characters means the film is multi-character arced. You are introduced to each of them and their personal struggle’s as they attempt to realise their dreams. Meena must overcome her timidity, Rosita has to juggle her wife/mother role, and Johnny must face his imposing gangster father, who expects him to join his gang. The film flicks from character to character keeping good pace but the film severely lacks strong narrative or depth to explore these ideals completely. It feels jumpy and choppy without a solid enough centre. Without this structure, the addition of constant musical numbers makes Sing an animation gimmick.
The singing element is overdone yet the music is fun. From Taylor Swift covers to Elton John, there is something for everyone. Your feet will tap along to the music even if the narrative does not keep you enthralled. Younger kids will sing and dance but this is not a film that will hold adults attention through story or animation.
If you are going to compare Illumination Entertainments animation to the works of Pixar, DreamWorks,or Laika then you will be sorely disappointed. The company aims to keep production costs low and therefore the animation is cute but flat. No boundaries are pushed and techniques are basic but that does not mean the film is unappealing. Sing creates a busy city landscape and fills it with plucky characters who all have their own arc.
The characters are voiced by large ensemble cast giving all involved a chance to stretch their singing muscles. There are some impressive, however, numbers none of the characters feel as well suited and matched to their animation counterparts as those of ones such as Dory or Wallace. Yet together they fill the screen in an entertaining. if albeit, shallow ninety minute run.
There are cute creatures and fun songs but the film is completely driven by its tired gimmick. Sing sadly lacks the feel good factor of Pets and the humour of Despicable Me. A pretty meh production considering what is being made at the moment.
Sing previews on the 21st & 22nd
Sing is out 27th Jan