Pitch Perfect 2

I’m usually against seeing sequels, they always seem to just retread familiar water and leave me completely unfulfilled.  There are a few exceptions Shrek 2 (bet you weren’t expecting that), Evil Dead 2 (I bet you were expecting that), and Before Sunset (betcha thought I was going to say Godfather 2).  That being said I still went into Pitch Perfect 2 with some serious apprehension.  I was seriously optimistic because the film was being helmed by Elizabeth Banks and I think she is comic gold.  I also loved the first Pitch Perfect film, it is a great mix of fun and plot with some excellent characters and music.  So what did I think of the Pitch Perfect 2?

First a synopsis:

The Bellas are back, and they are better than ever. After being humiliated in front of none other than the President of the United States of America, the Bellas are taken out of the Aca-Circuit. In order to clear their name and regain their status, the Bellas take on a seemingly impossible task: winning an International competition no American team has ever won. In order to accomplish this monumental task, they need to strengthen the bonds of friendship and sisterhood, and blow away the competition with their amazing aca-magic! With all new friends and old rivals tagging along for the trip, the Bellas can hopefully accomplish their dreams once again.

I’m really conflicted on this one.  I can tell you without a doubt that It is not nearly as good as the original.  There were some really good moments and there were some truly awful moments.  So how do I feel?  I still don’t know.  First the good:

There are plenty of funny moments.  

Pitch Perfect still keeps the fun factor high, there are plenty of zingers.  If you came for the music you will also not be disappointed at all,  the songs are fresh and memorable. There was a great cameo scene with everyone in it that makes the 1.5 hour journey completely worth the price of admission.

The film suffers quite a bit just where I worried it would.  The movie forces some jokes that aren’t even funny. For example, the character of Florencia, a senior student from Guatemala, is Barden Bella version of Sophia Vergara, only with bad racist jokes.  Fat Amy just didn’t land as more than a cartoon character this time, her subplot was really convoluted and poorly put together.  Actually all the plotting was convoluted but who cares, I laughed and heard some good songs.

Was Pitch Perfect 2 anywhere near a good movie? No.  Did I enjoy some of it?  Sure.  Would I ever watch it again?  Prob not.  However, my girlfriend like it and that was all that mattered tonight!

Ratings are based on a 5-star scale

Overall: 2 pitch shifts out of 5

Review by Bro “B” – Ben

We attended a pre-screening for our review. All opinions are our own

Pitch Perfect opens in theaters nationwide on May 15