Sing 2

 

Five years ago, writer-director Garth Jennings had success with the animated film Sing. A film while I admittedly found enjoyable (especially the music) the overall story is... eh, just okay. Jennings has released the sequel the aptly named Sing 2 and after much debate on whether it warranted a trip to my local theater to watch, exactly 5 years and 1 day after the first go round I ventured out to do just that. The music after all should be worth the effort and hopefully the story would at least be okay. I was wrong on both accounts.

Sing 2 is the rare sequel that surpasses the original.  Hands down.

From the opening Minion filled Illumination intro, the opening “act” through the credits (no worries, there’s no added credit sequence so you can jet if you don’t want to enjoy the music) Sing 2 hits all the right notes and this time brings all the feels along with it. An hour and fifty minutes of pure delight. 

This thoroughly enjoyable and highly entertaining romp reunites the old crew (save for Seth MacFarlane’s Mike) and adds newcomers including Halsey and Bono (yes Bono), just to name a few, as they hit Redshore City (a Las Vegas-esque entertainment Mecca) in an effort to take their show to the next level.

I had a helluva difficult time staying seated throughout this one.  The music is killer, so chair dancing is unavoidable.  Unfortunately for anyone near me so is the unavoidable singing.  With the likes of U of A Alum Harvey Mason Jr and Pharrell Williams in the musical mix it’s a given. 

As if that isn’t enough, the story. While nothing original in and of itself (the parallels to Sing are numerous) the story is deeper, more emotional, and engaging than the original and kept me riveted.  I laughed, I cheered, I got angry, teary, and wanted to jump up and scream triumphantly on more than one occasion.  The characters all benefit, and each gets to shine.   

Speaking of the characters, three cheer for the original voice actors naturally.  Bobby Cannavale's Mr. Crystal slays.  Halsey as Porsha Crystal nails the spoiled little rich brat role. Bono as Clay Calloway is an unexpected, happy surprise.  But the scene stealer and my favorite have to be Garth Jennings himself as Miss Crawly.  She’s one lizard that brings me joy.

Joy. Joyous. Delightful. Funny. Charming. Funny. Emotional. Inspirational. Triumphant. All words, thoughts, reactions I have when I think about Sing 2. And I have thought about it often since seeing the film and it brings a smile to my face, gives me a chuckle, and is a perfect end to my 2021 movie going season.  

I loved this movie!  Check it out at the theater if you can.  I’ll definitely be adding this one to my film collection.

I’m giving Sing 2 a 10.

The King's Man

 

The King’s Man

The original 2014 film The Kingman: The Secret Service was one of those films that snuck up on me with how much I enjoyed it.  So much so I was excited beyond belief to see its sequel The Golden Circle three years later, which was a bitter disappointment for sure.  Another four years has passed and the third film in the franchise has now hit the big screen and with it the return of hope for a good film. 

The King’s Man is a prequel taking us back to the founding of this secret intelligence society in the run up and during the course of World War I. As such it’s more a spy thriller/war film than anything else as it lays the groundwork for the basis of the first two movies. With a lot of “positioning” of elements like chess pieces, TKM  focuses more on philosophical ideals and takes itself much more seriously.  Heavy on the political dialogue, the pacing does get slow and the story does drag in places, but not to the point I got bored or became completely disengaged. The violence, particularly the war scenes are brutal and hard to watch.   Both necessary evils to the overall movie. 

Having a more serious tone brings fewer over-the-top action sequences but when they hit, they hit hard and stick their landings. The dark humor is there as well but again is held in check. The musical score is sweeping as are the locations. The acting is wonderful, Ralph Fiennes and Charles Dance shine bright as expected.  Gemma Arterton, Djimon Hounsou, and Harris Dickinson more than hold their own.  Then there’s Rhys Ifans as Rasputin.  A pure, mind blowing, crazy and unsettling at its best.  A weird viewing experience, but still largely satisfying.  

Once again, we’re given a film where the villain(s) are generic and their motives are meh and they feel like a means to an end for setting up the next film, they remain serviceable to the story. Not the most interesting or engaging, but they work for the most part. 

While I won’t say The King’s Man is as good as the original, I’m thrilled to report it’s far superior to the sequel in every aspect. Thank goodness! It’s a strange blend of twistory, farce, espionage, politics, and ideology that makes for an oddly unsettling yet entertaining viewing experience. 

I’m going to give this one a 7.  

BTW don’t miss the mid credit sequence.

Spider-Man: No Way Home

 

After what felt like an eternity of hype, speculation, and anticipation Spider-Man: No Way Home has finally hit the big screen.  Billed as the End Game of the Tom Holland led Spider-Man "home" trilogy SNWH marks the first MCU trilogy directed by the same director, Jon Watts, clocks in at 2 hours and 28 minutes and ushers in the multiverse in spectacular fashion. Quite a lot to live up to without a doubt and for my money, largely delivers.

The fan service aspect pays off big time for Spidey fans, but brings with it some drawbacks. I laughed, I cheered and was thrilled by it, but at the same time was left feeling underwhelmed by the emotional component and under-development of the characters and storyline. I'm an admitted big time crier, however, even at its saddest I never went  beyond thinking, "very sad...anyway".  There's a shallowness in the  characters making connection a hit and miss proposition.

Speaking of which the pacing for the first 30 to 40 minutes is rough. A herky-jerkiness that kept bringing me in and out of the story with its tone and jumping from one idea to another. I hate to admit, a few times it got to the point of making the film border on boring.  

Maybe it's just a "me" thing...I dunno. Kinda like Dr. Strange. Was it just me or is there something a little "off" about him in this film?

Anyway, moving on.

Even with these "issues" Spider-Man: No Way Home still delivers. Terrific music score. Fantastic, heart racing action. Loads of humor. First-rate performances. Thrilling special effects and cinematography.  Eye candy at some of its finest.  Nostalgia, fun, and surprises definitely make for an entertaining movie going experience.  

While SNWH fell short of End Game satisfaction for me, it's still a solid and enjoyable film with some truly shinning moments. Well worth venturing to the movie theater to enjoy a group watch party.  And yes, once again a reminder to stay ALL the way through the credits.  

I'm giving Spider-Man: No Way Home a 7/8.