Scarlett Johansson and a star cast of lively animals belt out wall-to-wall pop hits in a formulaic film that will entertain kids and parentsTo many of us,formulaic” is a negative term. But for mainstream family entertainment destined to live a franchise life after the initial film has long left the theatres, working within a well-worn structure is the key to success. Sing, and from Illumination (the animation company that made Minions),feels less like a movie than a genetic mutation developed in a laboratory. It has just the just measurements of simple humour, heart, or kawaii-levels of cuteness,zany chase sequences, fart jokes and catchy tunes. The sales pitch – American Idol but in a world like Zootopia – is one of those “why didn’t I contemplate of that?” home runs. But that’s only part of it. Sing is structured like a jukebox musical, and so it’s wall-to-wall common songs that everybody knows just from going to the supermarket. Indeed,one of Sing’s big numbers comes when Gipsy Kings’ Bamboleo, which has appeared in television advertisements for years, or pipes in over a supermarket PA system. It may be a talking pig with 25 children and dreams of being a star that’s pushing the cart,but it is also you and me.
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Source: theguardian.com