Here we are again to inspire another family movie night. As we wait for the release of Sing 3 — we are diving into the original “Sing,” a vibrant and heartwarming animated musical that hit theatres in 2016, directed by Garth Jennings. With its catchy tunes and a delightful array of animal characters, “Sing” is a must-watch that promises to have everyone dancing and singing along.
Plot
“Sing” tells the story of Buster Moon, an eternally optimistic koala who owns a struggling theatre. In a bid to save his beloved establishment, Buster decides to host a massive singing competition. This contest attracts the attention of a diverse group of contestants, each with their own unique backstory and musical dreams. From a shy elephant with a powerhouse voice to a punk-rock porcupine struggling to find her path after a breakup, the film weaves multiple narratives that converge on the grand stage of Buster’s theatre. As the competition heats up, so do the personal challenges each character must face, creating a story filled with humour, setbacks, and triumphs.
Cast
The cast of “Sing” brings a dynamic energy to the film, featuring talents like Matthew McConaughey as the ever-optimistic Buster Moon, who brings a certain warmth and charm to the ambitious koala. Reese Witherspoon voices Rosita, an overworked mother of 25 piglets, seeking to reclaim her passion for singing. Scarlett Johansson provides the voice for Ash, the porcupine with a rock ‘n’ roll heart, and Taron Egerton plays Johnny, a young gorilla trying to break free from his family’s criminal business to follow his singing dreams.
Reviews
“Sing” enjoyed a generally favourable reception from both audiences and critics upon its release. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds an approval rating that reflects its broad appeal as a family-friendly entertainer, while on IMDb, the film scores well, with particular praise for its animation quality, engaging soundtrack, and heartwarming narratives. Critics have lauded the film for its feel-good nature and its ability to blend comedy with poignant moments, making it an entertaining watch for all ages.
Why Your Kids Will Love It
“Sing” is a delightful hit with kids, largely due to its colourful animation, engaging characters, and a jukebox worth of catchy songs that they’ll love to sing along to. The movie showcases a wide array of musical performances that cover popular hits that resonate with young audiences. For instance, Johnny the gorilla sings a soul-stirring rendition of Elton John’s “I’m Still Standing,” which not only showcases his vocal talent but also his journey of personal growth and independence. Another crowd-pleaser is Rosita and Gunter’s energetic performance of “Shake It Off” by Taylor Swift, which brings out a message of shaking off worries and having fun, perfectly capturing the spirit of youthful exuberance.
Ash the porcupine rocks out to “Set It All Free,” an original song that has become a fan favourite for its powerful lyrics about finding one’s own voice and breaking free from limitations. Additionally, Meena the elephant’s beautiful version of “Don’t You Worry ’Bout A Thing” by Stevie Wonder provides a heartwarming moment of overcoming stage fright and finding confidence, a relatable and inspiring moment for many kids.
These performances, coupled with the film’s vibrant storytelling and humorous moments, ensure that “Sing” is more than just a movie—it’s a musical celebration that encourages kids to dream big and express themselves. The infectious energy of the songs and the inspiring backstories of the characters are sure to captivate young viewers, making them want to watch the movie over and over again.
Trailer
Fun Fact
A fun fact about “Sing”: during production, more than 85 classic songs from famous artists were considered for inclusion in the film, making the final soundtrack a spectacular mix of beloved hits. Additionally, the character of Gunter, the exuberant dancing pig, was specifically created after the filmmakers watched a video of a dancing pig on the internet, which inspired them to add this uniquely spirited character to the cast.