Animated musical comedy Sing 2 follows from where the previous Sing instalment ended. If the first part was the ‘fight for survival’, this one is the ‘survival of the fittest’.

However, in both the films, the good folks end up winning, ensuring that good things come to those who wait.

In the world of talking animals, Buster Moon, the theatre-owner Koala, is again in trouble. Voiced by Hollywood actor Matthew McConaughey, Moon sets his eyes high to perform in Redshore City, the entertainment capital of the world.

Despite facing rejection during a talent hunt in Calatonia, the gang decides to go to Redshore City, the ‘animated’ version of Las Vegas, and get approval from the ruthless, no-nonsense producer Jimmy Crystal.

Moon manages to get in, but only on one condition, that he has to convince a ‘former’ rock star to perform with his team. The team finds the reclusive musician Clay Calloway, who has been away from the public eye for over a decade, but he refuses to make a comeback for personal reasons.

Other than Matthew McConaughey, Reese Witherspoon, Scarlett Johannsson, Taron Egerton, Tori Kelly return as Rosita, Ash, Johnny, and Meena respectively.

For Moon, adjusting the daughter of producer Jimmy Crystal (Bobby Cannavale), who gave them the chance, is impossible, while Meena and Johnny have to overcome fears of their own. Meena has to express ‘love’ sentiments during her dance performance, while Johnny cannot dance at all.

Directed by Garth Jennings who steps in as Mike, in the absence of Seth MacFarlane, and does well as the mouse who is inspired by Frank Sinatra. However, there is Darius the yak, Meena’s dance partner, and Nooshy the lynx, who helps Johnny regain his confidence. To play ‘missing for the last 15 years’ Clay Calloway, the producers roped in legendary rock star Bono from the famous U2 band, and his casting was nothing less than perfect.

The plot may seem a bit tense, but the music and the songs release whatever tension there was. Like the first instalment, this one also features dozens of hit classic songs and follows the original film’s theme of working as a team, the love of family besides the never-say-die attitude.

The all-animal star cast gel in as a team, in order to overcome their hurdles. After all, it’s the music that brings the team ‘on screen’ and the family watching ‘off screen’, together. If you think that being optimistic, despite hindrances, can bring success, you should watch Sing 2 with the entire family.

Published in Dawn, Young World, March 26th, 2022