Film Review: "Sing 2" (2021).

"Where will your dreams take you?" in Sing 2. This computer-animated jukebox musical comedy film written and directed by Garth Jennings and produced by Illumination. It is the sequel to the 2016 film Sing. Buster 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 pig Rosita, rocker porcupine Ash, earnest gorilla Johnny, shy elephant Meena and, of course, porcine provocateur Gunter - have to sneak their way into the world-famous Crystal Entertainment offices, run by ruthless mogul wolf Jimmy Crystal. 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 lion rock legend Clay Calloway. 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.

In late January 2017, Universal Pictures and Illumination announced a sequel to its 2016 animated hit was in development. Jennings returned to pen and direct the film with Matthew McConaughey, Reese Witherspoon, Scarlett Johansson, Taron Egerton, Nick Kroll, and Tori Kelly reprising their roles. In December 2020, Bobby Cannavale, Letitia Wright, Eric André, Chelsea Peretti, Pharrell Williams, Bono and Halsey were added to the voice cast. Additionally, composer Joby Talbot returned to compose the score. Nick Offerman, Jennifer Saunders and Peter Serafinowicz rounded out the film's voice cast. Work on the film shifted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and was done remotely following the temporary closure of Illumination Mac Guff. The scope of the theatre in the finale was a major stepping tone to take over ten-thousand animals for the crowd department, old and new ones designed by longtime Illumination artist Eric Guillon who not only worked on Sing but have designed the new characters in the sequel like choreographer Klaus and the Minionesque mouse lemurs. Fashion brand Rodarte designed some of the costumes used in the film. The film was originally scheduled for a December 25, 2020 release date, but it was pushed to December 22, 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The vocal talents are so good, the only things you really wish for through the film are better lines, a few more sight gags.

The film highlights the power of teamwork, perseverance, and overcoming fear. It's a wonderful family movie that both adults and kids can enjoy together.

Simon says Sing 2 receives:

Also, see my review for Sing and The Secret Life of Pets 2.