Rss

  • linkedin

Archives for : Seth MacFarlane

“Sing” Plays a Familiar Tune

sing-20161

Prepare yourself for American Idol with pigs, elephants, gorillas and many more animals.

Illumination Entertainment’s newest film, “Sing” follows a koala bear, Buster Moon (Matthew McConaughey), who’s on the verge of closing down his beloved theatre after back-to-back production flops. He then decides to produce an amateur singing competition in hopes that it will draw in an eager audience. To his luck and a misprinting of the prize money, a long line of hopeful talents come to audition for the show.

Eventually, Buster narrows down his choices to some surprisingly great singers; which include a gangster gorilla, Johnny (Taron Egerton), a housewife pig, Rosita (Reese Witherspoon), a backup singer Porcupine, Ash (Scarlett Johansson), a con artist mouse, Mike (Seth MacFarlane), and an extremely stage frightened elephant, Meena (Tori Kelly).

Image result for Sing movie 2016

 
Unfortunately, this production does hit a few bumps along the way.  Performers drop out, technical issues arise, and funding seems to be a continuous struggle.
 
But the big picture of this story is really about the usual “following your dreams and taking chances.” Buster followed his dream a long time ago, and with help from his dad was able to own a theatre. All the contestants play it safe in their personal lives, almost playing back up to everyone else in their families. This competition is a chance for them shine and do something that makes them happy. However, the film doesn’t go any deeper than this message.
 
Though the coexistence of different animals might remind you of Disney’s “Zootopia” from earlier this year, it is nowhere near as complex or intriguing. “Sing” is just a much simpler, easy to follow film that should have kids engaged by the music alone. There are plenty of songs to sing along to. Just to name a few, Katy Perry’s Firework, Taylor Swift’s Shake It Off, Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah, and Paul Anka’s My Way. But, my personal favorite may have to be Taron Egerton’s rendition of Sam Smith’s Stay With Me. Who knew the “Kingsmen” star had such an amazing voice?
 
It’s hard to say if “Sing” will make the cut come nomination time for the award season. The film has some tough competition with “Zootopia”, “Kubo and the Two Strings”, and the likely front runner, “Moana”. That being said, you cannot discredit this lovable cast and the toe-tapping song choices that makes this film a fun time for the whole family.

Rating: 3/5

“Sing” opens in theaters December 20.

“Sing” Official Trailer HD

 Image result for Sing movie 2016 trailer hd

Movie Review: “Ted 2” – Same Raunchy Jokes in a Less Satisfying Sequel

The crude, childhood bear that miraculously came to life is back! And this time around he’s ready to start a family of his own.

The film begins with Ted (Voiced by Seth MacFarlane) getting married to his girlfriend from the previous film, Tami-Lynn (Jessica Barth). The two are more in love than ever, and it seems that everyone is having a great time. Everyone that is, except for John (Mark Wahlberg). He and Mila Kunis’ character have now divorced. It’s been six months and he still hasn’t been able to get back into the game.  No, he just continues to mope, smoke weed, and watch A LOT of porn.


A year goes by, and marriage bliss quickly faded for the newlyweds. They are constantly at each other’s throats. Luckily, they are advised to have baby. Apparently, having a child is a sure way to fix a marriage! Once the couple decides on adoption, it is discovered that the state doesn’t recognize Ted as a person. He is eventually revoked of his basic civil rights and his personhood when the courts declare him to be property. Ted’s marriage is annulled and he loses his job. Naturally, they take this to court, and are defended by the young, attractive, inexperienced lawyer, Samantha (Amanda Seyfried).

For the most part Ted 2 does its best to stay original and refrain from a copycat sequel. The only time this fails is when we see the return of psycho Donny (Giovanni Ribisi). He has teamed up with a Hasbro executive and plans to kidnap Ted, AGAIN, and hopefully make millions of Teds for little kids all over the world. Because this was such a big part of the first film, this subplot just felt a tad forced and desperate. It’s as if they thought movie didn’t have enough conflict and was lacking a true climatic moment. Honestly, I would have been interested to see a new villain with new motives.

If you couldn’t already figure out the new love interest for John, it doesn’t matter. Whether or not, you liked Mila Kunis’ character, there was a lot more depth to their relationship. John and his new love make no difference to the film whatsoever, and are just another uninteresting subplot. Though she does make for a great pun of some hilarious jokes.

There are plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, and the film is extremely entertaining. But this movie doesn’t quite stick like the first one. Even with the parallels of America’s history of prejudice and intolerance, which was effective at times, the film still can’t scratch the surface of its dirty, college humor. Nonetheless, for fans of the first film, Ted 2 is still worth the watch.

Rating: 3/5

Ted 2 opens in theaters June 26.

“Ted 2” Official Trailer HD