The first 'Sing' was very enjoyable, despite one annoying character (Mike), the predictability and trying to do too much it was also wonderfully animated with equally wonderful music and mostly successful in writing and characters. While the advertising looked good and trusted friends were raving about 'Sing 2', there was a little apprehension as animated sequels are often badly executed and pointless ('The Secret of NIMH 2 for example) though there are some exceptions like 'Shrek 2' and the second and third 'Toy Story' films.
'Sing 2' turned out to be every bit as charming, as entertaining and as delightful as the first, and to me it was actually even better. It has all the first film's good things executed even better, while having richer character development and writing. It also seemed took on board the common criticisms the first had of having too many characters and too much going on, while with plenty going on. It is also more straightforward and there were no pointless or annoying characters here. Mike doesn't appear here and he is not missed.
It may be lacking in the originality and momentum dips a little with the Meena subplot.
Porsha's change of heart is also a little on the rushed side.
However, the animation is wonderful, it's bright, colourful, rich in detail and with slick character designs with more imaginative visuals in the musical numbers. Which are absolutely terrific, especially the absolute firecracker that is the opening. "I Still Haven't Found What I Am Looking For" is going to stick in the memory for a long time and reduced me to tears. The character writing is richer, especially for Johnny (still relatable, more so) and even more so Calloway, the most interesting character and also a realistic and easy to identify with one. Porsha is also an absolute hoot and Crystal is a villain (Illumination's best, darkest and most realistic villain by some considerable distance) that absolutely nobody wants to mess with or get on the wrong side of.
Furthermore, 'Sing 2' is superior in the writing. A lot of moments induced a lot of loud out loud laughter (ie. The auditions, Miss Crawley's encounter with Calloway), others brought a tear to the eyes (Calloway walking down the stairs with only Ash's singing being heard) and there was plenty of uplifting hope in the absolutely spectacular final act, which made the writing feel very feel good. The story is predictable, but the energy is truly infectious and razor sharp without feeling rushed. Like the character writing, the storytelling is richer emotionally and has a good deal more depth. Notably the whole Calloway storyline. Of the character relationships, faring best are the scary tension between Buster and Crystal, Johnny and super cool Nooshi and the tender, heartfelt one between Ash and Calloway.
All the voice acting is spot on as well and the singing performances are exemplary, all the original voice actors return and have lost none of what made them so good in the first. Bono's casting was truly genius and he brought a lot of amusement and heart to Calloway. Bobby Cannavale is often truly unnerving as Crystal, especially when the character's ruthlessness darkens and becomes more dangerous without ever being too overkill. Halsey's quirkiness is truly adorable and entertaining.
Concluding, so much better than expected and very well done. 8/10.
