Sing 2

7.5/10

In the sequel, koala Buster Moon (voiced by Matthew McConaughey) takes his theater colleagues to the big city to put on an equally big show.

Admittedly, the movie rehashes the basic plot points of the first one. The animals try to put on a performance but face obstacles, Buster makes things difficult for himself by telling a lie, and all the performers have to deal with their own personal struggles.

Also, the various storylines either go very quickly (the subplot about reclusive lion music star Clay Calloway (Bono) really feels like the script is trying to break a record for speeding through the plot beats) or feel stretched out (too much time is given to wolf financial backer/antagonist Mr. Crystal (Bobby Canavale)).

However when you get down to it, the story is told decently enough and has a general sense of fun throughout. The big show they're creating really is imaginative, eye-catching, and well thought out. I would love to see something like that if it existed in reality.

Cast remains strong. (McConaughey really feels like he's giving his all to voice a character and not just do his regular style.) The three new characters brought in, Black Panther's Leititia Wright's Nooshy, a street dancing cat, the aforementioned Calloway, and Crystal's daughter (Halsey). Credit should especially be given to Halsey who's a singer and doesn't usually act. Like McConaughey, she's really playing a character, and when she sings, it feels like she's singing as her character and not herself. I am disappointed that Buster's sheep friend from the last film didn't return, but the cast is already crowded as is.

I was impressed with the animation. The designs of the flashy and/or ornate city buildings look really good. Surprisingly good direction and storyboarding. Many a non-verbal movement and shot feels well-thought out; much is said without a single word a times.

The song selections for this jukebox musical are all pretty good.

Kinda recommended. I can't say this is one of the most robust children's movies made. Nor does it do much to differentiate itself from it's predecessor. However if your kids liked the first, they'll probably like this. This movie feels like it came from a good place and it's a decent time waster.