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In 2012, Pitch Perfect blended infectious tunes with irreverent comedy for a wildly entertaining chick flick. Now, in Pitch Perfect 2, the cast teams up with first-time director Elizabeth Banks for a follow-up that’s still fun, though it’s not quite as fresh as the original.
The sequel reunites with the Barden Bellas after they’ve won their third national a cappella championship. During their victory tour, however, an embarrassing performance in front of the President gets them suspended from competition indefinitely. The only way to save the group is to perform in the world championships—and be the first American team to win. But before they can have any chance of winning, they’ll need to regroup, work together, and find their voice again—all while facing the terrifying reality of life after their upcoming graduation.
Like its predecessor, Pitch Perfect 2 is often irreverently funny—thanks, especially, to Rebel Wilson’s outrageous Aussie Fat Amy and the ever-present a cappella commentators, Gail and John (played by Banks and John Michael Higgins). There are plenty of other comic surprises, too—from Snoop Dogg crooning classic Christmas carols to an a cappella performance by several members of the Green Bay Packers—which are sure to keep audiences entertained.
Unfortunately, though, a bit of the novelty of the first film has worn off. The main characters aren’t as lovably quirky as they once were. Anna Kendrick’s Beca has lost her edge, and Brittany Snow’s Chloe isn’t quite as intense, while other characters are simply overcooked stereotypes—like the Bellas’ humorless German rivals and Chrissie Fit’s Flo, who’s little more than a running gag about illegal Mexican immigrants. Much like the Bellas as a group, the individuals seem to be short on both focus and personality.
Meanwhile, the film’s music also seems to lose some of its focus. Pitch Perfect was all about the music—whether the Bellas were rehearsing, competing, or just communicating through song. But while the sequel still has its share of catchy mash-ups, the music seems secondary to the drama—the relationships, the team-building exercises, and the campfire talks about their hopes and dreams for the future. And when the Bellas arrive in Copenhagen for the world championships, it seems as though they’ve barely had time to rehearse. The musical numbers are fun—and often delightfully surprising, too—they just seem less important.
Of course, that’s not to say that Pitch Perfect 2 is totally out of tune. It’s still an enjoyable (albeit predictable) musical chick flick—and an impressive first feature for Elizabeth Banks. It simply doesn’t top the charts like its predecessor did.
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