Review: PITCH PERFECT 2 Sings a Beautiful, Hilarious Song of Friendship

Making a film sequel is difficult, especially when it doesn't involve a superhero cinematic universe. In the case of following up 2012's surprise musical success PITCH PERFECT, the task was especially daunting; how do you improve upon a low-budget sleeper hit that shattered any and all conceivable expectations? The original film found success by blending what audiences have always wanted from a college comedy (mildly crude humor and young people falling in love) with what they never knew they wanted from a college comedy (a cappella singing and projectile vomit). While there is none of the latter, PITCH PERFECT 2 has the former three in spades; and despite noticeable tonal differences, the sequel is a surprisingly touching, laugh-out-loud musical party that should more than live up to the sky-high expectations of the franchise's legions of fans.

For the uninitiated, the PITCH PERFECT saga centers on The Bellas, an all-female a cappella group from fictional Barden University. In the original film, the once storied group has fallen on hard times, but is led to a National Championship by unconventional outsider Beca Mitchell (Tony and Academy Award nominee Anna Kendrick). In addition to earning over $113 million at the box office, the film spawned a No. 1 Billboard soundtrack and a triple-platinum single for Kendrick in the song "Cups."

In the first film, after an embarrassing incident for leader Aubrey (Anna Camp of Broadway's EQUUS) the longshot Bellas battle their male Barden counterparts, the Treblemakers, on route to the title. However, as the sequel opens, the group is a three-time defending champion and in the midst of a victory tour, seemingly on top of the a cappella world. However, while performing for the President and Mrs. Obama, a Bella experiences a particularly embarrassing wardrobe malfunction that becomes an international scandal. Knocked back to underdog-status, through a comically contrived set of circumstance, they are forced to win a world championship or disband forever.

Throw in Beca's record label internship and a German super-group, and that's the extent of the movie's plot. With all of the off-the-wall humor, musical mash-ups, and celebrity cameos (Snoop Dogg, John Hodgman, Pentatonix, the Green Bay Packers, just to name a few) there really isn't much room for more story; but that's not a bad thing. In true sequel nature, the film's musical scenes are even bigger and grander than before. While I don't want to spoil anything, the Bellas' final performance far exceeded any logical expectations, producing one of the most creative, inspiring, and touching musical moments I've seen on screen in a long time.

As much as PITCH PERFECT has helped usher in a new popular appreciation for musical storytelling, these movies are not really about the music, but rather about the connections that music creates. In the case of the Bellas, those connections are formed between women; talented, quirky, driven, and hilarious women. Yes, there are romantic subplots in PITCH PERFECT 2; Fat Amy (the side-splitting Rebel Wilson) and Bumper (Adam DeVine) clash over making their heretofore "causal" relationship official, BOOK OF MORMON alum Ben Platt's Benji develops an adorkable crush on Bella legacy Emily (Oscar nominee Hailee Steinfeld), and Beca is still in a happy relationship with lead Treblemaker Jesse (SPRING AWAKENING's Skylar Astin). However, those relationships do little to drive the sequel's narrative. Instead, the heart of the film is found in the relationships between the group's women; relationships that allow them to be both vulnerable and powerful; something not always seen from Hollywood.

Even without the fact that the film was written by a woman (Kay Cannon) and directed by a woman (Elizabeth Banks, who also returns as a cappella commentator Gail) PITCH PERFECT 2 is a potent testament to the strength that women possess, but are often discouraged from showing. So often movies depict young women as caddy, conniving, and selfish; turning on each other for their own personal gain. However, PITCH PERFECT 2 celebrates its women's differences and insecurities, and focuses on how the strength of their sisterhood allows them to find their confidence and voices (literally and figuratively) together. While the first movie catapulted Kendrick to superstar status, Beca is as much a member of the ensemble as Ashley (whichever one she is). Even though much of the movie is laced with over-the-top irreverent humor, a sentimental reimagining of a familiar tune and a moving tribute to the power of sisterhood did get me slightly "aca-emotional" come film's end.

While there is an incredibly powerful message in the movie, especially for the franchise's young female fan base, Banks (in her feature film directing debut) navigates the comedy wonderfully; from the neurotic Chloe (Brittany Snow) refusing to graduate so that she can stay a Bella forever, to the ludicrous underground a cappella competition hosted by David Cross, to the scene-stealing Keegan-Michael Key as Beca's record producer boss, nearly every joke lands.

In many ways, the sequel follows the same path that its predecessor took to critical and commercial success. When it is on this path PITCH PERFECT 2 is extremely entertaining, but never revelatory. Due to the first film's success, the second film's outlandish humor and infectious musical numbers likely won't take anyone by surprise. However, what it does even better than the original, and makes this a special film, is get to the heart of a more universal message. Rather than just a ROCKY for choir kids, PITCH PERFECT 2 finds a way to communicate just how important and transformative the bonds of friendship can be, even (and perhaps especially) when your friends make unbelievably embarrassing choices.

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Check out the trailer below:

PITCH PERFECT 2 Starring Anna Kendrick, Brittany Snow, Anna Camp, Rebel Wilson, Adam DeVine, Hailee Steinfeld, Skylar Astin, Ben Platt, Elizabeth Banks, Katey Sagal, and more is rated PG-13 for innuendo and language.

Did you think the musical sequel was "aca-awesome" (is that how that works)? Did it live up to the original film's lofty standards? Let me know what you think in the comments below, or on Twitter @BWWMatt. Also, make sure to follow @BWWMoviesWorld on Twitter for all of the biggest news from the world of movies.

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Photo Credit: Universal Studios, Gold Circle Films

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