Sing 2 inspires us to dream big dreams
I have a theory that every great lesson in life can be learnt from a kids movie. Think about it — a lot of the things that shape us are things we have learnt growing up. The fundamentals of being a human being. As children we are taught to share our toys, to eat our veggies because they’re good for us. We’re told that hitting each other is frowned upon and we are told that we can be anything we want to be in this world.
Somewhere along the way as we get older, we lose a bit of this childlike wonder. We see the harsh realities of the world, we are faced with adversities,. So everytime I watch a film aimed for kids, I see it as an invitation to look at things with the same wonder as I did when I was younger.
As far as children’s films go, Sing 2 is up there with the best of them.
The Official Synopsis:
This holiday season, the new chapter in Illumination’s smash animated franchise arrives with big dreams and spectacular hit songs as the ever-optimistic koala, Buster Moon, and his all-star cast of performers prepare to launch their most dazzling stage extravaganza yet …all in the glittering entertainment capital of the world. There’s just one hitch: They first have to persuade the world’s most reclusive rock star—played by global music icon Bono, in his animated film debut—to join them. Buster (Oscar® winner Matthew McConaughey) has turned the New Moon Theater into a local hit, but Buster has his eyes on a bigger prize: Debuting a new show at the Crystal Tower Theater in glamorous Redshore City. But with no connections, Buster and his cast—including harried mother pig Rosita (Oscar® winner Reese Witherspoon), rocker porcupine Ash (Scarlett Johansson), earnest gorilla Johnny (Taron Egerton), shy elephant Meena (Tori Kelly) and, of course, porcine provocateur Gunter (Nick Kroll)—have to sneak their way into the world-famous Crystal Entertainment offices, run by ruthless mogul wolf Jimmy Crystal (Emmy winner Bobby Cannavale).
In a desperate attempt to get Mr. Crystal’s attention, Gunter spontaneously pitches an outrageous idea that Buster quickly runs with, promising that their new show will star lion rock legend Clay Calloway (Bono). Problem is, Buster has never met Clay, an artist who shut himself away from the world more than a decade ago after the loss of his wife. Even worse, Buster has failed to realize that Mr. Crystal is an egocentric gangster who would rather drop somebody off the roof of a building than be lied to.As Gunter helps Buster dream up an out-of-this-world theatrical masterpiece, and the pressure (and sinister threats) from Mr. Crystal mount, Rosita’s leading role in the show gets ripped away and handed to Mr. Crystal’s spoiled daughter, Porsha, played by Grammy-nominated artist Halsey. Desperate to save the show, and his life, Buster embarks on a quest to find Clay and persuade him to return to the stage. What begins as a dream of big-time success becomes an emotional reminder of the power of music to heal even the most broken heart.
Sing 2 is written and directed by acclaimed returning filmmaker Garth Jennings and features additional new characters played by music superstar Pharrell Williams, Black Panther’s Letitia Wright and comedians Eric Andre and Chelsea Peretti. The film is produced by Illumination founder and CEO Chris Meledandri and by Janet Healy. Sing 2 combines dozens of classic rock and pop hit songs, electrifying performances, breathtaking artistry and Illumination’s signature humour and heart into the definitive feel-good cinematic event of the year.
“Dream big dreams” the film’s official tagline says. And dream big dreams indeed. Sing 2 succeeded in making me reimagine my own big dreams. I left the theatre feeling the most inspired I have been in months, scrambling to find the soundtrack on Spotify before I even left the theatre. There is magic in kids movies. The challenge is to apply the same feelings of hope and inspiration I felt in the 1.5 hrs of the film into my everyday life.
Sing 2 is out in cinemas on Boxing Day. Watch the trailer here: