Monday 18 May 2015

Film review: Pitch Perfect 2


Sequels are never better than the originals, right? Well Pitch Perfect 2 certainly gives its predecessor a run for its money.

Following on from where Pitch Perfect left us- with the Barden Bellas reigning victorious in the niche world of a capella groups, the girls have reached their final year of college at Barden (that’s university to us Brits). 

If you haven’t seen Pitch Perfect- think Glee but almost solely focused on the singing and competitiveness between the groups. 

The flick, which was released through Universal Pictures in the UK on 15 May, opens on a dilemma, as Fat Amy, played by the brilliant Rebel Wilson, shows off more than she bargained for during the Bellas’ performance for President Obama. I might add, this scene is cleverly put together with clips from one of Obama’s public appearances entwined with the Bella’s performance.

With heaps of joyful musical mash-ups, and decent performances from standout actresses such as Anna Kendrick (Beca Mitchell), and Brittany Snow (Chloe Beale), Pitch Perfect 2 is bursting with sass and substance.

Screenwriter Kay Cannon, who penned the original, enforces the message of female power thorough her plucky, slightly off centre heroines. With female solidarity by the bucket load, it’s obvious Cannon had it in mind as a key message.

Charismatic director Elizabeth Banks, who also directed the original and stars as Gail- a slightly dim-witted but still giggle-worthy a capella judge, has done an amicable job of overseeing this movie- it’s a predictable continuation that doesn’t interfere with its predecessor but carries a strong story of friendship and loyalty with lackluster romantic subplots in tow.  

Bringing back all the best elements from the first film, while holding up a new plot and allowing for different aspects of the characters to be showcased, Pitch Perfect 2 is a female-fronted comedy with heart. And it’s raucous fun. What it’s lacking is the unique voice of the original, which makes it somewhat flat in comparison. 



3/5

Watch the trailer here:  

 


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