McConaugheMay Day 24: Sing 2

Even this far into the month, this random assemblage of McConaugheMovies still has the capacity to surprise. I remember suffering through the first one in a way that really made me question if it was worth it as a grown man to watch a movie for babies just to complete a pointless accomplishment. Sing 2 was even on my list last year but I swapped it with another one because I found the first one so boring.

I'll eat crow: This one was better than I expected. While I still don't like jukebox musicals and it always feels weird watching a children's movie with no children in the room, Sing 2 is leagues more colorful, has more going on with the characters (i.e. there are multiple character arcs that don't revolve around "this musical amateur is scared to perform in front of a big crowd"), and some pleasant musical numbers at the end. It was fine! I'm not the target audience, but I didn't hate watching it. Ms. Crawly, the iguana assistant to Matthew McConaughey’s huckster koala, was a comedic standout in the first one, and she’s in fine form here too. While “Old lady has interests that one wouldn’t expect” is an old joke, it’s still one worth telling if it makes someone laugh.

While the first Sing has the most cookie cutter plot one could imagine (it’s quite literally about putting on a big show to save the theater), Sing 2 offers some surprisingly engaging evolutions on the story. The cast have become big stars, but only in their relatively small metropolis, and they’re starting to feel the desire to prove themselves in the big city. The problem is that they have neither the connections nor the raw talent to make it happen… unless they bring back a reclusive long-retired star Clay (played by U2 frontman Bono).

As with a lot of modern animated films, every single part, even the bit roles, is played by a recognizable name, and many of the celebrities acquit themselves just fine. Taron Edgerton is probably the most gifted singer in the cast, and the film makes sure to give his gorilla character a big crowd-pleasing showcase. Which, it’s worth noting, happens in a (it must be said) dazzling bit of animation. The whole film builds up the characters finally showing their worth, and the animation and movement is a sincere treat to see, even when the writing leans on broad strokes. It is for children, after all.

The film ends with a confusing plot point wherein the gangster villain is captured by the police and sent to jail. I’m not quite sure what he did wrong besides try to murder a koala, which I believe is only a crime in Australia and New Zealand.

I don't understand why McConaughey doesn't sound like himself though. Why would you cast him and not let his Texas drawl, either restrained or amplified, peek through? It's such a generic performance, too... You could swap him out for anyone. Jason Bateman seems to like doing animated movies, and he'd probably have done just as good a job if not better. I don't understand. Why come back for the sequel, too? Is his name really such a draw? Does Matthew (NEVER Matt) really have such an investment in the franchise? I don't understand. I don't understand.