Rating: 3 (Out of 4 Stars)
Much like the first installment of this animated, juke box musical franchise, Sing 2 is simply good, sacharine fun through and through. Both films do not have complex stories or plotting, but that’s okay. The Sing movies just want people to sing, tap their feet and maybe even dance (if they’re watching at home). And speaking of watching at home, this particular installment does not exactly demand to be watched in a theater, but it wouldn’t necessarily be a total waste of time and money if one wanted the theatrical experience. I guess what I’m trying to impart to my readers is both Sing and Sing 2 are both totally fine family fare for members of various ages, but doesn’t really go deeper into any heart-rending or emotionally complex territory.
Matthew McConaughey reprises his voice role as Buster Moon, a sweet natured, but positively passionate theater owner and show director. After the events of the first film, the once struggling Moon theater has achieved some respectable success with their musical plays charming audiences in their city. However, Moon and his talented performers wish to aim higher. In hopes of getting the attention of entertainment mogul Jimmy Crystal (Bobby Cannavale), Moon invites Crystal’s talent scout Suki (Chelsea Peretti) to check out their newest production.
Unfortunately, the snooty and stony Suki gets underwhelmed with what she feels is a novelty, amateur show not sophisticated enough for the Crystal label. Despite this disappointing setback, Moon and the crew decide to travel to Crystal’s office and pitch their show themselves. So, even though their original idea for a show fails to impress Crystal a wild and imaginative pitch for another show idea by the dancing pig Gunter (Nick Kroll) actually gains his interest. That, and the dishonest promise of signing enigmatic recluse singer Clay Calloway (Bono) by Buster, gets the group signed and headed into production. Not only do Buster and his team have to produce and perform a grade A, science fiction musical with an expensive production value, they must convince the bitter and angry Calloway to come out of retirement.
Written and directed by Garth Jennings, Sing 2 offers sweet, amiable entertainment for the whole family–nothing more, nothing less. I can easily see families watching this movie at home and engaging in sing alongs. The animation is colorful and gorgeous and the songs selected are absolutely joyful and exciting. I found myself constantly smiling, laughing at the solid humor, and tapping my feet to the music.
It is great to see the awesome returning cast members reprise their roles from the first film. In addition to McConaughey, who is perfect as the big-hearted and ambitious Buster Moon, actors Reese Witherspoon (Rosita the pig), Scarlett Johansson (Ash the punk rocking porcupine), Taron Egerton (Johnny the singing gorilla), Meena (the shy, but talented singing elephant), and Nick Kroll (the boisterous and energetic dancing pig) all fill their roles as well as they did the first time around. New cast members Bobby Cannavale, Halsey, Pharrell Williams, Leticia Wright, Eric Andre, Bono, Chelsea Peretti, and Spike Jonze join the fun in this sequel and bring their A-games to their voice work.
There is much else to say about this movie. There isn’t anything that is particularly horrendous about the writing, production, direction, or performances. The story is more or less predictable and transparent, but not in any ways that completely ruin the experience. If lookiing for a good family movie for children (of all ages) and adults to enjoy, one could do much worse than Sing 2.