Rating: PG

Score: 7 out of 10

Released on Dec. 21, 2017, Sing was a smash hit with families and children, grossing $465.5 million worldwide. While the film is ultimately predictable, it still features a strong cast of extremely likable characters, gorgeous animation, and a very fun climax that more than makes up for an overdone premise.

With his theater failing, and basically past the point of complete bankruptcy, koala Buster Moon (Matthew McConaughey) decides to host a singing competition in a last ditch effort to save the theater his father worked years for to get. Almost every animal in the anthropomorphic city shows up to the auditions for the show, and Buster is able to narrow it down to six finalists. Pig Rosita (Reese Witherspoon), who is exhausted from singlehandedly raising her 25 piglets (Rosita and her husband need to calm down) is paired with a fellow, but much more flamboyant pig Gunter (Nick Kroll). Punk rock hedgehog Ash (Scarlett Johansson), who is trying to make it on her own after a break up with her controlling boyfriend. Con artist mouse Mike (Seth MacFarlane), who uses his Sinatra like voice and jazz skills to swindle other animals out of money. Gorilla Johnny (Taron Egerton), who looks to singing to escape the gang life of his father. In addition, elephant Meena (Tori Kelly), who has the gift of a beautiful voice, but the curse of awful stage fright.

The true secret to Sing’s success is its cast of characters. It is impossible to root against any of them, as they are all so likable and relatable in their own way. Even though they are just talking animals, they all have problems that people of any age have or are experiencing in their life. Some can relate to Rosita, who has given up her dreams to raise a family, some can relate Mike, who people do not believe in because of his size, and some can relate to Johnny, who wants to break out into his own and not follow his dad’s footsteps. By giving these characters problems that are so relatable and close to home, Sing has easily made an entire batch of characters who we want to see succeed and triumph.

Making the characters anthropomorphic animals was a brilliant idea on the part of filmmakers, as not only does it provide for some great visual gags and jokes throughout the movie, but it also allows for the younger audiences to pick up on and grasp some of the wonderful lessons the film has. The main lesson being never let anything hold you back from your dreams (money, size, fear, etc.), which is something a person should definitely learn at a young age.

If you have seen any trailers for the movie, then you have no doubt seen how striking the animation is, and the colors and styles used really bring the animals and the city they live in to life. The movie’s song and dance routines are also greatly improved by the animation, as every single movement and emotional beat is hit on the mark with the characters’ movements.

With a movie called Sing, music is obviously going to play a big part in the film. This is the part of my review where I am the most conflicted, as although it is extremely disappointing that the film features no original songs of their own, the songs chosen for the film are spot on. The songs used in the auditions scene provide for some great comedy as well as quick insights into our main characters, and the people behind Sing nailed the songs chosen for the third act.

The climax is an extremely fun time, and the final competition is pure entertainment from start to finish. Each character’s song is chosen perfectly, and matches their problems and journey completely. It is extremely satisfying to see them play these songs and finally confront the problems they face. It more than makes up for the lack of original songs.

The film is rather predictable, as everything you expect to happen happens just as you thought it would, but that does not make what happens any less entertaining or impactful. The film no doubt has some great comedy in it, but some of its comedy definitely misses the mark as being too childish.

Sing is a movie for all ages, as it features great characters and important messages that anyone could get behind. While it may not be the most original story out there, I still highly recommend seeing this movie, as its catchy songs, humor, and touching moments will easily keep you entertained.