Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * *

Cast: Matthew McConaughy, Reese Witherspoon, Seth MacFarlane, Scarlett Johansson, John C. Reilly, Taron Egerton, Tori Kelly, Jennifer Saunders, Jennifer Hudson, Garth Jennings, Peter Serafinowicz, Nick Kroll, Beck Bennett, Jay Pharoah, Nick Offerman, Leslie Jones, Rhea Perlman, Laraine Newman.

In a world obsessed with celebrity, with instant fame and the self gratification of not having to climb to the top of your profession without hard work and tears, the animated film Sing is a refreshing pastiche wrapped up in the soft fabric of feel good cinema.

Sing, written by Gareth Jennings and starring the vocal talents of actors as wide ranging as Scarlett Johansson, Seth MacFarlane and Matthew McConaughy, is one of those rare films in which the complexity and themes of the story is not lost on anyone making their way to see its colourful and rich presentation.

Whilst it is not ashamed to revel in its staged appearance as a film primarily for the younger market of cinema goers, it is amusing enough to fulfil a need for anybody who either admires the genre of film or the absurdity in which the situation arises to have a good hearty laugh at some of the characters and their imposed personality. In the shape of all creatures great and small who have a desire to fall for the seduction of the voice at its most beautiful, all are welcome at the Moon Theatre.

If only such antics were to be seen on the vast array of talent shows that offer the chance for instant fame and front page headlines, if such open palmed cool was attached to the idea of gratification rather than a need for attention and detestable posturing, then Sing would teach those certain programmes a thing or two about humility; as it is the film is by far the best representation of what good can come out such contests.

With sterling performances by Seth MacFarlane, Scarlett Johansson and Taron Egerton, this animated crowd pleaser is a film of good quality, an animal anthropomorphism that doesn’t leave a mark of pain or bad will against the idea of singing for your supper. Sing is a film worth shouting about.

Ian D. Hall