Written by Adam Mast
Pitch Perfect 2 (PG-13)
Prepare to be pitch slapped because the sweet and spunky all-women acapella group known as the Barden Bellas are back. While this sequel to 2012’s sleeper hit is hardly pitch perfect, it’s definitely pitch good.
In “Pitch Perfect 2,” the Bellas are living large until a humiliating performance rife with unfortunate mishaps sullies their sterling reputation. In an effort to get themselves back on track, Becka (played by cute and talented Anna Kendrick) and crew decide to enter an international competition—one that no American group has ever won—in hopes that they will regain their status on the aca-circuit. The Bellas have a huge hill to climb, however, as the uber popular international group they’ll be competing against is unlike any adversary they’ve ever faced before. In short, “Pitch Perfect 2” sort of plays like the “Rocky IV” of acapella sing-off movies.
If you like singing and dancing, you’re going to walk away from “Pitch Perfect 2” a happy camper. There are plenty of entertaining song and dance numbers here, and they’re mounted with energy and flair by first-time director Elizabeth Banks. I’m not ashamed to admit that I have a big crush on Banks, so that probably factored into my enjoying this picture more than I might have otherwise. As an actress, Banks is gorgeous, but it’s her charm, sense of humor, and infectious spirit that emerge as the real appeal, and I’m happy to report that all of her attributes as an actress translate into her direction as well. If you prefer Banks in front of the camera, you’re in luck because she’s back as acapella announcer Gail alongside hilarious John Michael Higgins’ dry-witted John. Together, this duo sling hilarious off color quips at the expense of performers throughout the movie.
For the most part, the entire cast is back, but some of the background players do tend to get pushed aside on occasion. If there’s a character at the center of the film, it would be Becka. A great deal of the plot revolves around her desire to be taken seriously in the industry, so she takes a job working at a recording studio run by a celebrated record producer (perfectly played by a fantastic Keegan-Michael Key). She takes the job without her Bella sisters’ knowledge, something which creates a bit of contention in the film, but rest assured, sisterhood prevails.
Fans of the first film will be happy to know that Fat Amy (played by a hilarious Rebel Wilson) is also back wreaking havoc as usual. With her abrasive behavior and silly prat-falls, Wilson provides “Pitch Perfect 2” with a great deal of broad humor, and I have no doubt that she will remain a fan favorite.
There are a handful of welcome cameos in “Pitch Perfect 2” as well, my favorite being David Cross. The “Mr. Show” veteran appears as an underground acapella sing-off emcee, and while it’s a small, throw away role, Cross makes the most of it in a big way. I also liked the addition of sweet-natured Hailee Steinfeld as a Bella new recruit, Emily. She’s simply adorable here and brings a ton of charm to the proceedings. In fact, there are moments throughout “Pitch Perfect 2” when she steals the proceedings outright from the film’s more established characters.
Look, there’s nothing particularly groundbreaking about “Pitch Perfect 2,” and it isn’t without its sloppy moments, but overall, it’s likable, lively, light, and breezy enough. And for my money, it’s easier to digest than Fox’s once popular Ryan Murphy-created hit “Glee.” Furthermore, if you dug the first picture, chances are you’ll dig this one too.
