I can still remember seeing the first ‘Sing’ movie in the cinemas. I was just about one month pregnant with Luke and took my nieces Sophia and Erika to a blocked screening. I was surrounded by children and I distinctly recall that scene where Rosita and Gunther their ‘Shake It Off’ number, when Rosita (Reese Witherspoon) does her costume change and is revealed in her sparkly black costume, the audience filled with children and adults broke into applause and roared in cheers. The kids were going wild and I wanted to cheer and go wild along with them. This #MovieMoment is in my top ten epic in-cinema reactions for sure.
About four years later (Luke is now four) and after a global pandemic, the sequel to the beloved musical is finally hitting Philippine cinemas on February 23. ‘Sing’ has always been one of those animated films that appeals to both children and adults. From its excellent picks of top 40 pop songs to its incredibly detailed animation (check out the textures in the animal’s scales, fur, and even their clothes!) to its hilarious cast of animals, just following their dreams and overcoming their fears in the process.
In the sequel, koala, Buster Moon (Matthew McConaughey) and his cast of animal performers are having a successful run in their small but well-loved theater, but when a big city scout tells them that they don’t have it takes to make it big in the city. Buster is determined to prove her wrong. Admittedly I got very emotional at this point of the movie, it reminded me that even if we are already doing well, we can always do better. We have to of course, dare to dream bigger and it is of course, finding the courage to leave our comfort zones that will be the first step for us to reach those bigger dreams. And this is what Buster works hard on.
While preparations are under way to produce a big and extravagant show, Buster and the gang must first convince rock legend and now a recluse, Clay Calloway (U2’s Bono) to perform in their show. But no one has seen him in 15 years, can Buster and crew convince him to pick up his guitar again? Or will Crystal Entertainment mogul, a terrifying wolf- Jimmy Crystal (Bobby Cannavale) throw Buster off his high-rise hotel?
Each of our beloved characters have their own challenge to overcome: Can Johnny (Taron Egerton) learn to dance from a very strict choreographer? Can shy Mina (Tori Kelly) manage to get through her first kiss scene, when she’s never had a first kiss in the first place? Can Rosita (Reese Witherspoon) overcome her fear of heights for that epic number?
Also, what’s up with Mr. Crystal’s daughter Porsha? She has an incredible voice but can’t act!
Sing 2 raises the bar in terms of their big production’s set pieces. I couldn’t stop gasping at how beautiful everything was, and even the costumes! Check out Mina’s gorgeous white dress in her big number. I don’t think I’ve seen texture that moves like that in animated movies, ever.
It’s interesting to note that while it was Rosita’s big number in the first movie that has become a memorable moment for me, I wasn’t so happy about her big stage performance in Sing 2. It was more of the song choice and that I believe they had to sing it an octave lower, I’m not an expert but that was what I could tell. Won’t be mentioning the song as it might be a spoiler. One of the good things about the Sing movies is how they manage to keep the big numbers a secret until the big reveal. There were so many LOL moments in the movie. I was really laughing out loud, and I actually can’t wait to see it again! Also I have to mention that the film also film also features tap dancing tarsiers!
Sing 2 is in cinemas February 23, 2022.