Sing 2, a 2021 American animated jukebox musical comedy film, continues the vibrant and heartwarming story of Buster Moon and his troupe. Produced by Illumination and distributed by Universal Pictures, this sequel to the 2016 hit Sing offers a delightful mix of humor, drama, and musical performances that appeal to audiences of all ages. Directed by Garth Jennings, who also co-wrote the screenplay, and co-directed by Christophe Lourdelet, the film boasts an ensemble voice cast that brings its charming characters to life.
Plot Overview
Set after the events of the first film, Sing 2 sees Buster Moon and his talented group of performers aiming for the stars in Redshore City. After impressing their local audience, they set their sights on impressing a high-powered entertainment mogul and enlisting a legendary rock star to join their show. This journey is filled with obstacles, heartwarming moments, and unforgettable musical performances.
The Journey to Redshore City
Buster Moon, voiced by Matthew McConaughey, is thriving with his rebuilt theater. His cast includes Rosita (Reese Witherspoon), Johnny (Taron Egerton), Meena (Tori Kelly), Gunter (Nick Kroll), and Miss Crawly (Garth Jennings). Ash (Scarlett Johansson) performs as a soloist at a rock club. However, when their show fails to impress talent scout Suki Lane (Chelsea Peretti), Buster is told he wouldn't make it in Redshore City. Encouraged by Nana Noodleman (Jennifer Saunders), Buster and his crew head to the city with high hopes.
Breaking into Crystal Entertainment
Denied entry to Crystal Entertainment, Buster and his team sneak in for an audition with the mogul Jimmy Crystal (Bobby Cannavale). Though Jimmy is initially unimpressed, a pitch for a sci-fi musical featuring songs by reclusive rock star Clay Calloway (Bono) catches his interest. Assuming Clay will be part of the show, Jimmy greenlights the project.
Overcoming Challenges
As they prepare for the show, the group faces numerous challenges. Rosita develops a fear of heights, prompting Jimmy to replace her with his daughter, Porsha (Halsey). Johnny struggles with his dance rehearsals under the harsh choreographer Klaus Kickenklober (Adam Buxton) but finds help from street dancer Nooshy (Letitia Wright). Meena, cast in a romantic scene, finds herself uncomfortable until she meets ice cream vendor Alfonso (Pharrell Williams). Meanwhile, Jimmy discovers Buster never contacted Clay, leading to a series of threats and confrontations.
The Grand Finale
Buster and Ash visit Clay to convince him to join the show. Initially reluctant due to his grief over his late wife Ruby, Clay eventually agrees. As the show unfolds, each character faces their fears and performs brilliantly, leading to a climactic performance that wins over the audience. Despite Jimmy's attempts to sabotage the show, the group's determination and talent shine through, leading to a triumphant ending.
Character Dynamics and Performances
Buster Moon and His Determination
Matthew McConaughey's portrayal of Buster Moon is a highlight, capturing the koala's relentless optimism and drive. Buster's journey from a small-town theater owner to a big-city showman is inspiring and filled with moments of both humor and heart.
Rosita's Courage and Porsha's Energy
Reese Witherspoon's Rosita embodies the struggle of overcoming fears. Her journey resonates with anyone who has faced personal challenges. Halsey's Porsha, on the other hand, brings youthful energy and a touch of rebellion, adding depth to the ensemble.
Ash and Clay Calloway's Emotional Arc
Scarlett Johansson's Ash provides a steady emotional anchor for the group. Her connection with Bono's Clay Calloway is particularly poignant, as they navigate grief and find solace in music. Bono's performance as Clay is both touching and powerful, adding a layer of depth to the story.
Supporting Cast Brilliance
The supporting cast, including Taron Egerton, Tori Kelly, Nick Kroll, and others, bring their characters to life with enthusiasm and charm. Each character's subplot adds to the richness of the film, creating a tapestry of interwoven stories that culminate in a grand, satisfying finale.
Visual and Musical Excellence
Animation and Visual Design
Sing 2 dazzles with its vibrant animation and intricate visual design. The cityscape of Redshore City, the detailed character animations, and the spectacular stage performances are a feast for the eyes. The animation team, led by longtime Illumination artist Eric Guillon, outdid themselves in creating a visually captivating world.
Soundtrack and Musical Performances
The film's soundtrack, featuring songs from various artists performed diegetically, is a significant draw. Joby Talbot's score complements the musical numbers, enhancing the emotional beats of the story. U2's original song "Your Song Saved My Life" is a standout, adding a layer of depth to the film's climax.
Production Insights
Development and Casting
The sequel was announced in January 2017, with Garth Jennings returning as writer and director. The core voice cast from the first film reprised their roles, with new additions like Bobby Cannavale, Letitia Wright, Eric André, Chelsea Peretti, Pharrell Williams, Bono, and Halsey joining the ensemble. The casting choices added fresh dynamics and broadened the film's appeal.
Impact of COVID-19
Production shifted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with work done remotely following the temporary closure of Illumination Mac Guff (now Illumination Studios Paris). Despite these challenges, the team managed to deliver a high-quality film that met audience expectations.
Costume and Character Design
Fashion brand Rodarte designed some of the costumes used in the film, adding a touch of sophistication to the characters' appearances. The design work extended to over 10,000 animals for the crowd scenes, showcasing the team's dedication to creating a rich, detailed world.
Marketing and Release
Promotional Campaign
Sing 2 had a robust marketing campaign, with partnerships including Xfinity, McDonald's, Kellogg's, and Mercari. An Adopt Me! live event on Roblox and a toy line by Tomy also helped promote the film. These efforts ensured a strong social media presence and widespread audience awareness.
Theatrical and Home Media Release
The film premiered at the AFI Fest on November 14, 2021, and was released in theaters on December 22, 2021. Early access screenings and subsequent digital releases on platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV expanded its reach. The film was later released on Blu-ray, DVD, and Ultra HD Blu-ray, making it accessible to a broad audience.
Box Office Success and Critical Reception
Box Office Performance
Sing 2 grossed over $408 million worldwide against a production budget of $85 million, making it the highest-grossing animated film of 2021. Its success at the box office, particularly during the pandemic, underscores its broad appeal and the strength of its marketing campaign.
Critical Reception
The film received generally positive reviews, with a 72% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a Metacritic score of 49. Critics praised the film's joyful energy, engaging musical numbers, and heartwarming story. Audience feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with CinemaScore reporting an average grade of "A+" and PostTrak indicating 91% positive scores.
Highlights from Reviews
Justin Lowe of The Hollywood Reporter lauded the film's musical set and the growth of its characters from amateur performers to a professional ensemble. Peter Debruge of Variety described the film as "an elaborate machinery of joy," highlighting its ability to put a smile on viewers' faces.
Conclusion
Sing 2 is a triumphant sequel that builds on the charm and success of the original film. With its captivating characters, stunning visuals, and memorable musical performances, it offers a delightful cinematic experience for viewers of all ages. The film's themes of perseverance, friendship, and the power of music resonate deeply, making it a worthy addition to Illumination's lineup.
For fans of animated musicals and heartwarming comedies, Sing 2 is a must-watch. Its engaging story, stellar voice cast, and vibrant animation ensure that it will be enjoyed for years to come. As Buster Moon and his troupe continue to inspire and entertain, audiences can look forward to their next adventure with great anticipation.