Sequels are usually a letdown, but “Pitch Perfect 2” is hands down the best sequel I have seen in quite some time for several reasons.
The film hit theaters on May 15. According to IMBD, a website about movies, the film grossed over $70 million in sales during opening weekend. Returning stars to the movie include Anna Kendrick as Beca, Rebel Wilson as Fat Amy, Brittany Snow as Chloe, Skylar Astin as Jesse, Adam DeVine as Bumper and Anna Camp as Aubrey. Hailee Steinfield stars as Emily, a new character who serves a significant role in the plotline.
The movie picks up three years after “Pitch Perfect” took place. In the sequel, the Barden University Bellas find themselves in a tough situation after Fat Amy has a wardrobe malfunction while performing for the President’s birthday at the John F. Kennedy Performing Arts Center. The incident causes the Bellas to be stripped of their champion collegiate a capella status; however, there is a loophole, as the Bellas can have their title reinstated if they win the International Championship of Collegiate A Capella , which is a bit of a challenge, since no American team has ever won.
Along the way to internationals, the Bellas face several hardships, like being outnumbered by the talented German group, “Das Sound Machine.” Its main character, Beca, also struggles with balancing an internship and heading the Bellas, and the addition of a new group members all contribute to them losing the sisterhood that made them such a unique a capella group in the first place. The Bellas turn to former leader of the group, Aubrey, to help them regain their harmony.
I would recommend this movie to anyone because there is simply something for everyone and it is very inspirational. There is an incorporation of a wider variety of music genres like country, techno and even alternative music, which is something that was lacking in the first movie. The film also showcases a lot of international talent and there are guest appearances by the Green Bay Packers, Snoop Dogg, Barack and Michelle Obama, Pentatonix and “Key & Peele” star, Keegan-Michael Key.
I also enjoyed how “Pitch Perfect” and “Pitch Perfect 2” had such a diverse cast, which is a feature that accurately describes a college setting. I think the sequel had a great development of other characters too. In my eyes, Fat Amy really steals the show with her singing, acting and the development of her relationship with Bumper.
Although the movie was very funny, there were a few times when the humor was a little over the top with ethnic, racial, body image and sexual jokes. Humor like that can only be funny for so long, until the jokes start to get a little tired and stereotypical.
One thing that was a huge distraction during the film was all of the product placement by Covergirl, Apple, Beats, Adidas and other brands. As a communication major, I understand the value of product placement, but at times, it was overwhelming.
Overall, I will always be partial to the first “Pitch Perfect,” but despite a few flaws, I enjoyed the sequel a lot.
Great review