SING 2

This animated sequel is unpretentious, wholesome family entertainment, which seemingly effortlessly puts a smile on your face.

If you'd put the script for Sing 2 next to any screenwriting handbook, you'd notice that the picture follows the standard template beat for beat. Which is to say there aren't many surprises to be found in this follow-up to the 2016 animated hit, which this time sees the characters make the jump from small-town musicals to the big stage.

And yet, the familiarity of the story proves to be the film's biggest asset, as Sing 2 is big on heart and genuine emotion. With crisp animation and a soundtrack filled with tunes you'll recognise in a heartbeat director Garth Jennings easily wins you over, even if in patches the movie meanders and the reliance on middle-of-the-road songs from milquetoast musicians like Coldplay and U2 puts the otherwise exciting final act down a notch or two.

Still, there is something to be said for this kind of unpretentious, wholesome family entertainment, which seemingly effortlessly puts a smile on your face and reminds you that movies like Sing 2 still have the power to provide a communal experience unlike any other art form.

release: 2021

director: Garth Jennings, Christophe Lourdelet

starring: Matthew McConaughey, Reese Witherspoon, Scarlett Johansson, Taron Egerton