Pitch Perfect 2: Movie Review

Elizabeth Banks makes her feature film directorial debut with “Pitch Perfect 2”, the sequel to the 2012 surprise hit. The new film that sees the return of the lovely Barton Bellas is more of the same, but that should be music to the ears of those who absolutely love the first film. It may not be as good as the original (like most sequels), but the cast and the music is so enjoyable, it is easy to look past some of the lazy writing.

Beca (Anna Kendrick), Fat Amy (Rebel Wilson), Chloe (Brittany Snow), and the rest of the Bellas have just embarrassed themselves in front of the U.S. President during a performance. Because of this, they have been put on suspension and the only way they can get themselves out of trouble is if they win the world A cappella championship. Their main competition is the German powerhouse, Da Sound Machine.

The problem is that the Bellas have lost their sound. Beca isn’t focused on the group because she is now interning for a music producer (Keegan-Michael Key). The Bellas are also joined by freshman Legacy, Emily (Hailee Steinfeld) who loves to write her own songs. The young women must find their harmony again in order to win and finally redeem themselves.

As I said, the writing is sub-par and lacks the sharp humor that was all over the first film. The music however is just so much fun and that is a big part of what makes the “Pitch Perfect” films successful. The cast is the other major part. Skylar Astin and Ben Platt also return as Beca’s boyfriend Jesse and his magic-making friend Benji. Bumper (Adam DeVine) also makes his way back to Barton as campus security. He still manages to get his A cappella on.

I didn’t have high expectations going into “Pitch Perfect 2”, and you shouldn’t either. Just have fun with it and you will be glad you did.

By: Marc Ferman