Going for a song
Cert U ★★★ In cinemas now
Crafting animated comedy that charms both children and accompanying adults is a lot more difficult than people often realise. But 2016 chart-topper Sing hit on a brazenly simple formula. This wasn’t just another menagerie of talking animals, it was a menagerie of talking animals that belted out the pop hits of yesteryear.
The fun but forgettable Sing 2 repeats the trick with slightly diminishing returns. Once again, koala impresario Buster Moon (Matthew Mcconaughey) is putting on a show. But, instead of organising another X Factor talent contest (so last decade), it’s a “sci-fi musical” for a Vegas-like hotel. “Do not do anything to make me look bad or I’ll throw you off the roof,” snarls his mobster wolf backer (Bobby Cannavale), pushing hard against that U Certificate.
In a moment of madness, Buster rashly promises to land reclusive lion rock idol Clay Calloway (Bono, of all people) for his big finale.
While his one-eyed iguana assistant (director Garth Jennings) tries to woo Clay out of retirement, the koala has to steer his returning troupe through rehearsals.
Reese Witherspoon returns as perky porcine chanteuse Rosita, Taron Egerton voices shy cockney gorilla Johnny, Scarlett
Johansson is porcupine punk Ash and German techno pig Gunter (Nick Kroll) provides goofy comic relief.
The colourful animation is slicker but the sight gags aren’t quite as effective. Once again, the film’s power lies in the song selection. Five years ago, we had an amusingly sensitive primate singing Elton John, now he’s moved onto Coldplay.
There’s also a surreal take on Prince’s Let’s Go Crazy and, for former 90s indie kids, Mercury Rev’s Holes.
Jennings even finds room for another audition montage. I had no idea Eminem’s My Name Is would work beautifully when sung by a trio of chimney sweep chicks.
I had no idea Eminem’s My Name Is would work sung by a trio of chicks