Kidzworld saw the sequel to the aca-amazingly fun film Pitch Perfect. Is Pitch Perfect 2 a worthy song-filled laugh fest? Should you grab besties and hit the cinema? Read our review.
By: Lynn Barker
Ever had an embarrassing moment on stage or in front of friends? Fat Amy’s (Rebel Wilson) severe wardrobe malfunction in front of the U.S. President might mean the end for the three times victorious Bellas. How will they bounce back?
On stage with "newbie" Hailee SteinfeldCourtesy of Universal Pictures
Story Goes
The Bellas have “crushed it”! They’ve won three consecutive college a cappella singing championships and are performing for President and Mrs. Obama at Kennedy Center. When Fat Amy (Rebel Wilson) accidentally exposes her “down under” due to a wardrobe malfunction…on live T.V., the Bellas are banned from their national tour and from further competition on the college level.
Beca (Anna Kendrick) in the studioCourtesy of Universal Pictures
Replacing the girls on their tour are the snooty and overly-structured European champions, Das Sound Machine, a German group that makes Hitler look warm and fuzzy. Chloe (Brittany Snow) takes it the hardest “The Bellas are my life!” while Beca (Anna Kendrick) has a new internship with a famous music producer and isn’t quite as sad. New Freshman recruit and bubbly songwriter Emily (Hailee Steinfeld) is a “legacy”. Her mom was a Bella back in the ‘80’s. Latina Flo (Chrissie Fit) seems glad to just be alive and not on a sinking boat en route from Cuba to the U.S.
Anna and HaileeCourtesy of Universal Pictures
The Bellas attempts to outdo Das Sound Machine at their own game fail miserably so to get their smooth harmony sound back, they go to a country retreat meant to build teamwork on the corporate level. Surprise! the place is run by former group leader Aubrey (Anna Camp) who whips the girls back into aca-shape! During this process Beca’s boyfriend Jesse (Skylar Astin) remains her staunch supporter and the Treblemaker’s former leader Bumper (Adam DeVine) and Fat Amy intensify a relationship but she is skittish to commit. Cute and nervous Benji (Ben Platt) has it bad for Emily.
Amy and Bumper (Adam DeVine)Courtesy of Universal Pictures
Throughout the film, a capella TV hosts John (John Michael Higgins) and Gail (Elizabeth Banks who also directs the movie) pop in with their very un-P.C. and usually hilarious commentaries.
Will the Bellas be able to beat the mighty Das Sound Machine? What do you think?
John and Gail witness Fat Amy's disasterCourtesy of Universal Pictures
Wrapping Up
Pitch Perfect 2 isn’t consistently on key but will certainly entertain you with its talented cast and some great mash-up tunes and dance performances. Familiar characters from the last film pick right up where they left off with Rebel Wilson as Fat Amy ad-libbing her way once again to provide the biggest laughs in the movie. I especially loved a scene in which she rows across a lake to woo back in song her estranged boyfriend Bumper. Hilarious! Also, a singing appearance by key members of the Greenbay Packers football team provides a hearty chuckle.
Das Sound MachineCourtesy of Universal Pictures
However, the film’s story echoes some familiar personal tales from TV’s “Glee” and is a bit uneven overall in the laugh department. For example, the whispered shockers doled out by Asian Bella Lilly are more hilarious than ever but constant very un-P.C. comments from Latina Flo fall very flat. One joke about illegal Latino immigrants starving to death in shipping containers is enough. Most of the ad-libbed commentary from John and Gail is funny but some not-so-much.
Bumper joins an old groupCourtesy of Universal Pictures
Actor/director Elizabeth Banks, who plays Gail, does a fine job directing for the most part and the film pushes its girl power message without laying it on too thickly. The Bellas are a sisterhood that these girls will miss and remember all their lives. We can all hope for friendships like that. Be sure to stay through the end credits for a funny scene in which Bumper lives his Hollywood dream.
John and Gail give snarky commentsCourtesy of Universal Pictures
Pitch Perfect 2 hits a high note with only the occasional off-key chord. We go four stars.
Pitch Perfect 2 Movie Rating:
Pitch Perfect 2 PosterCourtesy of Universal Pictures
Pitch Perfect 2 is in theaters now!
