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| Sing 2 - Image from Universal Pictures |
My family and I took advantage of the early opportunity to see Sing 2 when it released Thanksgiving weekend for a special preview screening at our local theater ahead of the slated Christmas release date. While my kids and I are always up for an animated movie, I think my husband was the most excited about Sing 2. The original is one of his all-time favorite animated films - featuring an awesome soundtrack and storyline that appeals to both grown-ups and kids alike. Going into the movie, one question loomed large above all others - would Sing 2 be better than the original?
Sing 2 Movie Review
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| Sing 2 - Image from Universal Pictures |
Sing 2 brings back the all-star cast from the first film - Matthew McConaughey, Reese Witherspoon, Scarlett Johansson, and more - while adding such names as Bono, Halsey, and Pharrell Williams. The movie begins with Buster Moon and all of our familiar favorites headlining an adaptation of Alice in Wonderland at the Moon Theater to the delight of local crowds. But we all know Buster Moon is a koala that "dreams big dreams" so it should be no surprise that he has his sights set on taking his show on the road to the bright lights of Redshore City (very clearly modeled after Las Vegas). When his audition for entertainment tycoon Jimmy Crystal doesn't go as well as he planned, he finds himself relying on an idea for an all-new stage show dreamed up by Gunter and being able to deliver on a promise of having retired star Clay Calloway appear in the show. Only two small problems - they don't have the show by Gunter written and Clay Calloway has been hiding from the public for 15 years.
The story feels familiar to the first - Buster Moon once again finds himself over promising and then scrambling to find a a way to deliver. Along the way, each of the supporting characters also goes through their own personal journey that challenges them to step outside their comfort zone and do more than they thought possible. While the story is predictable, it's still entertaining and the 1 hour 52 minute run time passes quickly. I also enjoyed how Miss Crawly gets more story in this one - she definitely deserves it. Personally though, I found the storyline of Rosita most relatable and believe other moms out there will too. I also would have loved to see more of Clay Calloway's story. I think there was a missed opportunity to utilize the talents of Bono and also paint a deeper picture of the story behind the lion.
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| Sing 2 - Image from Universal Pictures |
Perhaps what sets the original Sing apart from so many other films is it's iconic soundtrack - an enjoyable mix of some old favorites and newer releases. Sing 2 follows a similar familiar mixing both old and new tracks throughout the film, but I felt like the music in the first film was far better than the sequel. The best musical moment in the film is actually in the trailer - "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For."
So is Sing 2 better than the original? My husband and I put the first Sing ahead of this one, but both of my kids prefer the sequel. I think it's a split decision because at the end of the day the two films are very similar - well-developed storylines that branch in several different directions, rock solid cast, and a feel-good soundtrack. If you enjoyed the first, I think you'll also find Sing 2 to be a hit with your family. It's sure to draw the family crowds this holiday season!
About Sing 2 (From Illumination / Universal Pictures)
This holiday season, the new chapter in Illumination’s smash animated franchise arrives with big dreams and spectacular hit songs as the ever-optimistic Buster Moon and his all-star cast of performers prepare to launch their most dazzling stage extravaganza yet …all in the glittering entertainment capital of the world. There’s just one hitch: They first have to persuade the world’s most reclusive rock star—played by global music icon Bono, in his animated film debut—to join them.
Buster (Oscar® winner Matthew McConaughey) has turned the New Moon Theater into a local hit, but Buster has his eyes on a bigger prize: Debuting a new show at the Crystal Tower Theater in glamorous Redshore City.
But with no connections, Buster and his cast—including harried mother Rosita (Oscar® winner Reese Witherspoon), rocker Ash (Scarlett Johansson), earnest Johnny (Taron Egerton), shy Meena (Tori Kelly) and, of course, provocateur Gunter (Nick Kroll)—have to sneak their way into the world-famous Crystal Entertainment offices, run by ruthless mogul Jimmy Crystal (Emmy winner Bobby Cannavale).
In a desperate attempt to get Mr. Crystal’s attention, Gunter spontaneously pitches an outrageous idea that Buster quickly runs with, promising that their new show will star rock legend Clay Calloway (Bono). Problem is, Buster has never met Clay, an artist who shut himself away from the world more than a decade ago after the loss of his wife. Even worse, Buster has failed to realize that Mr. Crystal is an egocentric gangster who would rather drop somebody off the roof of a building than be lied to.
As Gunter helps Buster dream up an out-of-this-world theatrical masterpiece, and the pressure (and sinister threats) from Mr. Crystal mount, Rosita’s leading role in the show gets ripped away and handed to Mr. Crystal’s spoiled daughter, Porsha, played by Grammy-nominated artist Halsey. Desperate to save the show, and his life, Buster embarks on a quest to find Clay and persuade him to return to the stage.
What begins as a dream of big-time success becomes an emotional reminder of the power of music to heal even the most broken heart.
Sing 2 is written and directed by acclaimed returning filmmaker Garth Jennings and features additional new characters played by music superstar Pharrell Williams, Black Panther’s Letitia Wright and comedians Eric André and Chelsea Peretti. The film is produced by Illumination founder and CEO Chris Meledandri and by Janet Healy. Sing 2 combines dozens of hit songs from pop to rock, K-pop to Latin, and from artists including Billie Eilish, Drake, U2, The Weeknd, Prince, Taylor Swift, BTS, Cardi B, Bad Bunny, J Balvin, Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello. With electrifying performances, breathtaking artistry and Illumination’s signature humor and heart, Sing 2 is sure to be the definitive feel-good cinematic event of the year.
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