Sing 2

Likely to amuse young viewers, this well-animated if predictable sequel is propelled by another medley of eclectic song covers. Although Sing 2 isn't on par, animated-movie-sequel-wise, to Toy Story 2, Despicable Me 2, or Ice Age 2, those who loved the original's music-video quality and are ready for more of the same will find plenty of tracks to play "name that tune" with throughout the movie. The intergenerational song selections range from Gen X favorites like Prince ("Let's Go Crazy") and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs ("Heads Will Roll") to oldies ("Your Song," "Say a Little Prayer") to contemporary hits like those from The Weeknd and Billie Eilish. The real surprise is that Bono and U2 allowed three of their greatest hits ("Where the Streets Have No Name," "Stuck in a Moment You Can't Get Out Of," "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For") to be covered in the film.

The movie's plot is uneven, particularly since it recycles some of the same themes from the first movie. And the near constant stop-and-start of the musical numbers occasionally lends Sing 2 a frenetic quality that may not work for viewers who are sensitive to sensory overload. Adults who recognize most of the songs will get a kick out of thinking about how the producers managed to wrangle the rights to all the songs -- and how Bono was persuaded to make his voice-acting debut as a grieving rock legend (a lion, of course) who hasn't performed since his beloved wife died. Not all of the returning characters get fully rounded story arcs, but Johnny and Meena each have moments to shine and connect with someone new. There's probably no need for a third film, but audiences who are already fans of the first Sing will enjoy the music and animal laughs.