sing

Look, you can’t blame a studio for taking notice when something is working and wanting to replicate their own success. Sequels wouldn’t get greenlit unless someone, somewhere, wanted them. It makes perfect fiscal sense for upstart animation studio Illumination to follow up on their blockbusters Minions, The Secret Life of Pets, and Sing. But, god, did they have to announce them all at once like that?

It has long been a fine American tradition to escape the awkward enclosure of your parents’ house over your holiday vacation and spend a few hours in the local movie theater, where everyone can shut up about politics and stop swapping passive aggressive comments on each other’s lifestyle for a few hours. 2016 was no different, with Rogue One: A Star Wars Story and Sing drawing in the big crowds while La La Land and Fences impressed in limited release. Not so impressive: Passengers, Why Him?, and Assassin’s Creed, each of which underperformed.

Since the introduction of the Best Animated Feature Oscar at the 74th Academy Awards in 2002, we’ve seen a steady exponential increase in animated movies over the years. Pixar, and, by extent, Disney, has usually dominated the competition, with eight wins out of ten nominations, followed by DreamWorks and Disney’s animation studio. This year, we have a record 27 movies eligible for the award, and while the Academy can pick only five to nominate, for now it’s anyone’s game.

The first trailer for Sing has arrived, and it’s filled with stuff you’ll recognize (and probably like): Cute animated animals, the smooth voice of Matthew McConaughey, hit pop songs, music competitions and…that laughably terrible “Butterfly” song that people sometimes put on at parties as an endurance test for their friends (note: these are not good people).

If this doesn't tug on your heart strings, nothing will.

You can get dinner and a show at this McDonald’s.

This is PRECIOUS! Do you know what song this little girl is singing for Mack?

This may be the most beautiful love song you'll ever hear.