Nerds That Geek Movie Review: 'Sing'

Written by John Edward Betancourt

​THIS IS THE EMERGENCY SPOILER ALERT SYSTEM...YOU ARE ADVISED TO READ AT YOUR OWN RISK...

As I grow older and see my family and friends start their own families, I always seem to hear one playful complaint when talking about their new life experiences in having a child...the fact that they have to watch children's movies over and over and over again...and they have nothing to offer the adults that enjoy them alongside their kids.

Now granted, that makes a certain level of sense. After all, kids films are geared toward kids and there's nothing wrong with that, but over the past few years I've noticed a bit of a change in children's movies, that there are more adult themes being injected into the stories, so that people of all ages can enjoy everything about these tales and recently I had the opportunity to see one of these hybrid films myself...the delightful, Sing. 

This is a film that transports us to a world filled to the brim with animals that live their lives like human beings do, they work hard, raise their families and also...dream big dreams. Enter Buster Moon, a koala who believes in the wonder of showbiz and has always dreamed of putting on an incredible show in the theater he owns in his home town, but after a string of box office failures, the theater is in danger of foreclosure, forcing Buster to think outside the box to save his theater and fulfill his dream...by hosting the greatest singing competition this town has ever seen.

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Sing is quite the unique animated feature for several reasons. First and foremost, it boasts an all star cast that is actually invested in the story and their performances. We've all sat down to see a movie like this where its clear the stars are phoning it in, but there's a special passion coming from the actors that helps to sell this film, and the characters and their plight, instantly draw you in, allowing for you to experience one heck of an emotional roller coaster ride when the highs and the lows arrive in the story because the performances are truly that top notch.

But the real magic of this film, lies in the fact that it is filled with positive...and realistic messages. The notion of following one's dreams is nothing new to cinema, if anything one could call it cliché or a trope, but Sing puts a new spin on that, pointing out the fact that dreams require hard work, discipline and sacrifice and even then...it doesn't mean they're all going to come true on a moment's notice and make you millions just like that. Sure the movie ends in the happiest of fashion, but I truly respect the fact that this motion picture put together that kind of message and reminded kids and adults alike to keep pursuing what they love and take every single risk and opportunity that comes their way because who knows what will happen when you take a chance.

When all is said and done however, this film is an absolute joy to watch and you're guaranteed to find yourself dancing in your seat and tapping your toes at the catchy soundtrack and the stellar singing performances from the cast as well. No joke, the actors here know how to belt out a tune and the bottom line is, if you haven't seen this one yet I highly recommend that you do so. Take a friend, take your family or just catch it at a matinee showing on your own, because this is that rare film that transcends age and truly has something for everyone.

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