Sing Adoption Movie Review

Buster Moon fell in love with the theater as a young koala boy. His father worked for years at a car wash so that Buster could one day buy the town’s theater. Buster has operated the theater for years, but it is failing and in danger of repossession. In a desperate attempt to revive the theater, Buster launches a city-wide singing competition. When a typo makes the grand prize much larger than he intended, and much larger than he can afford, hundreds turn out to audition. What will happen when everyone realizes that Buster doesn’t have the money?

** SPOILERS AHEAD THE REST OF THE WAY **

The Adoption Connection

No characters are adopted. Buster is in danger of losing his home, which was provided for him by his dad, who has since passed away. When he does lose his home and theater, he follows in his father’s footsteps by resuming his father’s car-washing business.  Another character has a difficult relationship with his dad; his dad is a criminal and is initially ashamed of his son’s artistic endeavors, telling him “you are nothing like me. Never have been, never will be.”  

Strong Points

The contestants in the singing competition show true care for each other and for Buster.  An estranged father comes back to his son.

Characters show perseverance and courage.

Challenges

One character’s dad says some hurtful things to him. Later, the character visits his dad in jail. A character briefly laments, “I’ve lost any chance of talking to my dad again.”

A gang of bears threatens the life of a cocky mouse.

Recommendations

 SING is mostly a positive, upbeat film for young audiences with a solid soundtrack. There are some opportunities for parents to point out characters’ forgiveness, courage, and perseverance. Kids whose parents have been incarcerated or criminally involved might struggle with a scene where a teenager fails to help in a getaway plan and later visits his surly dad in jail, and kids who have been emotionally shunned by a father figure might find some scenes difficult.  Outside of these issues, the film should work well for kids ages 7-12 or so.

Questions for Discussion

What role does music play in your life? What are your favorite songs? What songs have been important to you?

When have you kept trying, even though you wanted to give up? How did it go?

What is your dream job? What other jobs might you want to do before your dream job?

Why didn’t Buster give up? What friends can you count on?