Jim
This sequel belts out recognizable, if disposable tunes and busts a move or two, but doesn’t have the melodious, witty rhythms of its predecessor.
Sing 2 is again directed by the chameleonic British Garth Jennings who’s made a horror short film after the snappy, if crammed 2016 original.
From the makers of Minions is this colorful, illuminating anthropomorphic package where the characters roam in ‘Glee’ fashion after restoration of the Crystal Theater.
To get the depth of focus and scaling needed here their must have enough for the producers to let the able animators do their thing. So the likes of Matthew McConaughey, Reese Witherspoon, Taron Egerton and many others including Halsey and Pharrell Williams can offer their vocal stylings to the mix.
Maybe the hectic pacing is a way to cater to the ideal demographic who might have outgrown this fare, but can be amused by such a blithe, complaisant lark.
The troupe from McConaughey’s wishful, determined Buster Moon will be on the way to the glitz of Redshore City after a setback in their restored Crystal Theater. A wolfish producer Jimmy Crystal (voiced by Bobby Cannavale) stands in their way as they need the legendary rock star of a lion Clay Calloway (U2’s Bono) to make a small-town success shine at the big extravaganza with a sci-fi musical.
What’s noticeable again here is a cluttered storyline with a large roster including Halsey as Crystal’s spoiled daughter and Pharrell Williams is love interest Alfonso for Tori Kelly’s elephant Meena. Leather-jacketed gorilla Johnny (Egerton of Rocketman) gets some instruction from the likes of street-savvy Nooshy (Letitia Wright). At least there’s Jennings’ mostly green-scaled Iguana, theatre assistant Miss Crawly, to offer some comic relief.
As lively and encouraging as Sing 2 can be there isn’t an inspiriting feel as before. Especially as anxiety befalls the hermit in Calloway, Johny and a maternal, though creative Rosita (Witherspoon, with many a piglet) and tracks from the likes of Shawn Mendes, (not to mention Halsey) that’s dovetailed with the U2 front man’s catalogue. Enough aptitude is afoot and heard that makes one consider ‘The Voice’ and ‘America’s Got Talent’ but essentially a cover of better pop and fizz.
Frank
A very effective and enjoyable last chapter which reminds of Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland back yard musicals from the 40s makes Sing 2 worth seeing.