Sing 2

 

Writer/director Garth Jennings reserves the choicest character in his animated Sing franchise for himself -- the ridiculously capable reptilian director's assistance Miss Crawly. Her wall-eyed antics nearly steal what is actually a pretty terrific show.

Matthew McConaughey as the gritty little koala impresario Buster Moon and crew of A-listers from 2016's Sing (Taron Egerton, Reese Witherspoon, Scarlett Johansson) return in Sing 2 to voice the tuneful menagerie of showbiz hopefuls looking for their big break. The storyline is as old as the hills -- Mickey and Judy putting on a show in the barn -- but given new life through the animal angle, its evocation of those ubiquitous TV talent competitions and the assortment of old and nu-skool numbers that are imaginatively staged (the animation by Illumination is marvelous), even if the plotting is a little predictable.

This franchise and Illumination's other mega-hits Despicable Me and Minions seem to have nailed the elusive balance of wit and wonder that is essential for animated family features. While adults might not be as dazzled by Sing 2's eye-popping artfulness, many will surely be flicking lighters (metaphorically) at Bono's cameo as the grief-stricken, isolated rock 'n' roller who rediscovers his voice.