Sing

Even though animated films are typically released during the summer movie season, once in a while we are offered some animated films during other times of the year--the Christmas season being one of them. Since this is a festive season, the timing of the release of "Sing" was crucial and needed to be presented at this time--the film being a festive one itself.

Set in world like ours but entirely inhabited by animals, Buster Moon (Matthew McConaughey), a dapper koala who presides over a once--grand theater that has fallen on hard times. Buster is an eternal--some might even say delusional-optimist who loves his theater above all and will do anything to preserve it. Now faced with the crumbling of his life's ambition, he has one final chance to restore his fading jewel to its former glory by producing the world's greatest singing competition.

As he opens up the theater for the different auditions, he and his assistant, Miss Crawley (Garth Jennings) finally make their selections in choosing Rosita (Reese Witherspoon), Gunter (Nick Kroll), Johnny (Taron Egerton), Mike (Seth MacFarlane), Ash (Scarlett Johansson), Meena (Tori Kelly) and others.

Others to round out the cast are John C. Reilly as Eddie, Jennifer Saunders as Nana, Peter Serafinowitz as Big Daddy, Jennifer Hudson as Young Nana, Nick Offerman as Norman, Beck Bennett as Lance and Jay Pharoah as Meena's Grandfather.

This was whimsically directed in an entertaining way by Garth Jennings ("The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" '05, "Son of Rambow" '07) plus shorts and TV. What is interesting is that a good deal of this director's experience is live film as opposed to animated. Most directors of an animated film typically work in their comfort zone, but this filmmaker likes to mix it up: live and animated. I can actually appreciate this because it shows that this guy is willing to go out on that limb and show us that he can be versatile. And he proved it amazingly. It was creatively written by Jennings (""Son of Rambow" 07) plus shorts. This script was cohesive, concise, and with clarity. When a storyline flows well and entertains us from the first minute until the end credits, this speaks volumes. What's amazing is the lack of theatrical experience, yet this production simply soared. McConaughey as Moon was pure genius. The emotion and pathos of his character was near perfection. And what can I say about Illumination Mac Guff? Considering this is the same company that created the animation of the "Despicable Me" films, "The Secret Life of Pets", and "Minnions", it is in incredible company.

This film is definitely for those that want and crave a story that is entertaining, fun, fluffy, with no controversy and total escape. Go to the multiplex, grab the popcorn and enjoy this gem. I know I did.

Out of 4 Stars: 4                                     Rated: PG                                    108mins.