Sing 2 Movie Review | Safe for Kids?

Is Sing 2 safe for kids? Is Sing 2 OK for children? Sing 2 Movie Review | Safe for Kids?, an honest parents guide and mom review for the new Universal Pictures / Illumination animated film sequel release. No spoilers! #Sing2 May contain commissioned links.

Sing 2 Movie Review | Safe for Kids? Parents Guide

In case you weren’t feeling old yet, FYI the original Sing movie came out on December 21, 2016. That’s almost 5 years ago. With catchy songs and even catchier phrases (anyone still saying the phrase “piggy power!” in Gunter‘s voice? Just me?), those adorable singing animals are back in the sequel that kids and adults have been chomping at the bit for.

And yes, the bad animal puns aren’t getting better anytime soon either.

But does Illumination’s Sing 2 live up to the original? Or is it just a “meh” sequel? Will families be singing and clapping along, or will eyerolls and child meltdowns ensue? In this Sing 2 Movie Review | Safe for Kids?, we explore the visuals, the story line (no spoilers!), and fully breakdown that PG rating for parents, including my age recommendation for kids wanting to watch. Despicable Me franchise worthy or just another ok animal movie for kids?

The Visuals

What a difference 5 years makes. Illumination’s animation technology has certainly aged well. With sharper details (that wet koala fur – like WOAH!), and even shaper CGI sequences, Sing 2 definitely brings the animation magic to center stage of this movie. I honestly can’t complain on the bright, happy, colorful, and familiar visual vibe that the Sing movies bring to the big screen.

The Story

Your favorite Sing characters are back including the familiar voice cast of Scarlett Johansson (“Black Widow“), Reece Witherspoon (“Legally Blonde“), Matthew McConaughey (“Interstellar“), and Taron Egerton (“Rocketman“), along with new voices including Bono, Letitia Wright (“Black Panther“), Halsey, and Bobby Cannavale (“Ant-Man“).

However, a good cast alone is not enough to make a great movie sequel. So how does the Sing 2 story stack against some of the other Illumination film collections? Are we talking Despicable Me worthy or Secret Life of Pets level? Well, maybe. But that depends on your feelings towards a familiar, a VERY familiar script.

Sing 2 doesn’t exactly reinvent the wheel when it comes to creating an animated film centered around cute animals singing and dancing to popular music. The premise will certainly feel all too familiar as the characters take stage yet again for a performance of a lifetime.

With a few mildly interesting subplots, a new villain and a few character cameos from the original Sing film, there’s definitely enough action, fast-paced scene changes to keep kids and adults interested. But I also had my fair share of head-scratching (or maybe it was the apes getting to me) as I was lulled by the toe-tapping, hand-clapping beats of a new soundtrack that will be stuck in my head for another 5 years and the bright lights.

But even with a sometimes erratic plot, there’s definitely enough life lessons to takeaway before the movie ends. Overcoming fears, dealing with grief/loss, and going for your big dreams – kids and parents will appreciate the uplifting positive messages and feel-good vibes going into the holiday season.

That PG Rating

Is Sing 2 safe for kids? It’s no secret that I am highly skeptical of all children age ratings (um hello, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker not disclosing any language??). But you also know how I feel about PG ratings especially. With MPAA ratings unpredictable these days, PG rating oscillating between Incredibles 2 intense and Luca calm, having fully disclosed parent guidelines can be super helpful in determining if a movie is safe for your whole family to watch, especially for your littlest kids. (I see you, Soul.)

Why is Sing 2 rated PG? Is this Sing 2 Movie Review | Safe for Kids? This animated Sing sequel is rated PG for “some rude material, mild peril/violence.” Is Sing 2 movie ok for kids? Or should parents be worried about another questionable PG rated Illumination animated film? Let’s breakdown that MPAA rating for parents.

Language. Thankfully no swear words or bad language to report. Such great news during times when more and more swear words are leaking into our kids’ movies these days. I applaud Universal/Illumination for keeping Sing 2 clean, with no Lord’s name in vain uses even. However, I will note that mild insults/name calling is used throughout the film, including words like “stupid,” “freak out,” “weirdo,” “go to heck,” “loser” and “dumb.”

Violence. The violence in Sing 2 is pretty predictable and mild for an animated kids film. There is use of a non-lethal gun (you’ll understand when you see it – otherwise it would be a spoiler), erratic driving, angry villain threats for killing/death/dying that would be compared to “Zootopia level intense,” electrocution, and mild peril with a near-death experience (also pretty predictable).

There’s also a little bit of hand-to-hand animal combat. But also very mild. No blood or gore is seen. There is however a few incidents with Miss Crawly that could be “eye” raising for those squeamish with medical disabilities.

Adult Themes. Here is where I would place the heaviest weight of that PG rating. The “rude material” referenced has to do a mild visual gag to the word “thrust” (would go over the heads of most young kids) and the inference to an animal being “naked” in a scene, aka without clothing. While nothing is shown as the camera cleverly hides the view from the audience, the visual is enough to still be the punchline for the joke, and the other animal characters react as such. Le sigh, but the show must go on.

What Sing 2 Movie Age Rating is Recommended for Kids?

But before you pack up the whole family to head to the theaters this December, what Sing 2 age rating is recommended for kids?

The Overall

Obviously, Illumination has figured out a formula that works for family-friendly audiences. Give them colorful animation, a good soundtrack, strong cast and a bunch of adorable singing and dancing animals with an easily digestible story – and you have Sing, again. Sing 2 isn’t earth shattering you with any sort of “wow factor” this time around. But with enough B-rated content, familiar faces and sing-along worthy songs, adults and kids are easily enchanted back into the feel-good vibes.

And sometimes, that’s all you need. Going into our first post-pandemic holiday season, it’s really not about reinventing the wheel. Slowing down, realizing what you already have – it’s enough, even for a feel-good holiday film. Maybe a few eyerolls are needed for the too familiar-ish story. But, I won’t tell. So smile, feel the feelings and try not to drown out your theater neighbors with your singing. Because the catchy Sing 2 music isn’t leaving your head any time soon.

Sing 2 is no mic drop sequel. But families will appreciate the feel-good encore.

Follow Sing 2 on social media:

• Website: https://www.singmovie.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SingMovie
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/singmovie
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/singmovie/
• #Sing2

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The all-new original movie sequel, Sing 2 opens in theaters on Wednesday December 22, 2021. Will your family be watching this film?

I was invited to screen this film in exchange for this Sing 2 Movie Review | Safe for Kids? All photos courtesy of Illumination Entertainment. Be sure to follow Raising Whasians for more parent movie reviews, celebrity interviews, entertainment updates and behind-the-scenes info!