Walking into the theater with friends, I could feel the excitement in the air as we were waiting to hear the new soundtrack of “Sing 2.” I can proudly say that this soundtrack did not disappoint. I was sitting in the theater with goosebumps all down by arms. I will even admit to listening to the playlist on Spotify before school some days.

“Sing 2” was directed by Garth Jennings, who also plays the infamous, one-eyed Miss Crawley. Illumination Productions released the movie on December 22nd, and has received a 71% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The cast features many well known actors and singers. Clay Calloway, voiced by Bono, plays a famous musician that goes missing. Buster Moon, voiced by Matthew McConaughey, is the producer and leader of the animal singing group. The group includes Ash (Scarlett Johnason), Johnny (Taron Egerton), Rosita (Reese Witherspoon), Meena (Tori Kelly), and Gunter (Nick Kroll). Jimmy Crystal, voiced by Bobby Cannavale, is the antagonist, alongside the big-time producer that Moon wants to get his group contracted with. Porsha Crystal, voiced by Halsey, is Jimmy Crystal’s daughter, the newest member to the animal singing group.

The movie begins with the “Sing 2” cast wishing to participate in a singing competition, organized by Jimmy Crystal. Crystal is the producer that the cast, led by Buster Moon, thinks will get them the break they need. Quickly after the group starts singing, Crystal shuts them down. The group begins to lose hope until Moon promises that they can incorporate Clay Calloway into their act. This is a harder task than it presents itself to be because Callaway has not been seen in decades. Crystal loves the idea of having Calloway in his show and the revenue it will bring in. Crystal then chose the group as the winners of the competition under the condition that Calloway be in the production. The group’s spirits rise and the planning begins. Not only does the group need to put on a huge musical production, but they also need to find the missing Calloway. This is just the beginning of their huge adventure.

I believe the reason I like this movie so much is because of the music. I’ve listened to the album on repeat and it still gives me chills. There are a few actors that voice characters in this movie that I didn’t even know could sing the way they could. I had high expectations for the music, but it truly went above and beyond my expectations.

I would recommend this movie for a family movie night with a side of popcorn. The music will be appreciated no matter the audience. Sing 2 has many valuable characters that can serve as great role models. For example, these characters demonstrate courage and confidence to stand up for yourself and what you believe in. This can be very useful in today’s world.