They are back, pitches! The first time around Pitch Perfect was quite enjoyable, thank you. It was one of those hits that came out of nowhere and that although there was little to no expectations about it became a modest hit. Now three years later that all-girl a cappella group the Barden Bellas are back and we have another fun film on our hands.
Usually when a low budget film makes it big at the box office the studio will quickly through a bunch of money at making a sequel to cash in on the unexpected success. That usually leads to a sequel that is painful to sit through and honestly takes a little of the shine off the original. Such is not the case with Pitch Perfect 2.
While it can never really be as enjoyable as the first as we kinda know what to expect this time around, the Bellas led by director Elizabeth Banks (known primarily for her acting but now directing her first feature) do not embarrass themselves. The film is like an episode of Glee with all the singing and flashy choreography and costumes with a major dose of humour. The jokes fly around fast and furious. It also gives a voice and platform to those who are usually teased and bullied like overweight, gay or even women.
Yes, I agree it is pretty much the first film done over again with some similar jokes and an almost the same plotline, but I didn’t care about that or feel ripped off as I sat there and watched the Bellas do their thing. Just sat back and enjoyed the musical ride.
The Barden Bellas have been banned from competing in the nationals after an incident involving Fat Amy (played by Rebel Wilson) and a sling (which does involve some Rebel Wilson flesh being exposed) while performing and are now in a state of disgrace. Instead of giving up the dream of dominating the world through singing and dancing the girls of the group find a loophole in the rules and start on the comeback trail.
They enter the world competition in Copenhagen. To get into the nationals they have to win the worlds (which doesn’t make too much sense to me, but…). Still their path is not a smooth one as they have to defeat the mighty (and tall) European champs, Das Sound Machine. On top of that mountain to climb they also have to deal with the fact that their de facto leader Beca (played by Anna Kendrick) has not told them that she is also interning for a very demanding record producer (played by Keegan-Michael Key), so her attention is a little split. Times are tough in the vocal competition world.
Special Features: Digital Copy, Never Before Seen Treblemakers Performance, The Making of the Riff- Off, Das Sound Machine Finale Breakdown, Snoop in the House, Green Bay Rap, Line-Aca-Rama, The World Championships of A Cappella, An Aca-Love Story: Bumper and Fat Amy, Elizabeth Banks’ Directorial Debut, Legacy: Hailee Steinfeld, Aca-Camp, Residual Heat Internship, Deleted/Extended/Alternate Scenes, Gag Reel, Extended Musical Performances, The Bellas Are Back
