Holiday break is often associated with the salvation it provides—the fourteen-day cushion of time entirely allotted to escaping the pressure of school and reveling in the freedom of every weekday.

Yet, the hiatus meant far more to me this time around than in past years. This time, my kindred friend and former The Central Trend-associate, Lynlee Derrick, returned to town, and in the few days I was able to spend with her, we galavanted about Grand Rapids. Stopping in antique stores and hitting up our favorite boba tea spots, we were subtly reminded of the escapades that were put on temporary hold these past five months.

However, the antic that sticks out in unrivaled clarity took place on New Year’s. Around 10:30 p.m. on Friday the 31st, I sent a text to a three-person group chat—one of whom was Lynlee, the other Meggie Kennedy—with a screenshot of showtimes for the newest Illumination film Sing 2, accompanied by the simple caption, “tomorrow?”

Having had the film hyped up as a tear-jerking showstopper, the three of us climbed in Meggie’s dysfunctional 2008 Subaru Outback the next day—on the cusp of a blizzard that would render the vehicle useless—willing to risk it all just to see Sing 2.

And when I say that this film blew my expectations out of the water, I am telling the 100%, unironic truth.

Picking back up close to where its predecessor left off, the story continues to follow Buster Moon (Matthew McConaughey) and his troupe of vertebrate performers in their attempts to make it big in the realm of show business. As the audience is sincerely reminded of all their favorite, forgotten personas, a narrative begins to build about the illustrious hub that is Redshore City—a place where up-and-coming acts can claw their way to the top.

From Ash the Porcupine (Scarlett Johansson) to Johnny the Gorilla (Taron Egerton) and Rosita the Pig (Reese Witherspoon), the audience follows as each character discovers what fame means to them. And along the way, viewers get to sit in on some absolutely killer performances, each of which topped the last and sent me spiraling at the sheer idea that this film was initially made for a younger demographic.

Yet, what I found most poignant within Sing 2 was its ability to portray a wide variety of healthy, charming relationships that any group would find heartwarming. Watching as these animated beings found such abundant joy and acceptance in their passions was an emotional experience that individuals of all ages deserve to enjoy. Furthermore—without spoiling too much—this movie acts as a fantastic introduction to the idea of grief and how difficult it can be to find hope in the darkness.

Compared to the productions I viewed growing up, Sing 2 felt authentic and honest while balancing a lighthearted charm that draws you in and keeps you watching. And yes, this film did send tears cascading down my cheeks that I swiftly brushed away as the credits began to roll.

Yet, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Traversing the snowy landscape of mid-winter western Michigan to view this movie was an absolute treat,  Sing 2 being undoubtedly worth it all.