Elizabeth Banks sits on the directorial chair for the first time and brings us the sequel to the second-highest grossing musical comedy movie ever. Surprisingly, she did a good job.
Pitch Perfect 2 is essentially a recycle of its predecessor's storyline, with the all-female a cappella group, the Barden Bellas, kicking off the story with a major public embarrassment (a disgusting wardrobe malfunction in the presence of President Obama and Michelle), finding their harmony, then redeeming their reputation. But it is the sequel's details that bring fresh fun and comedy, more exciting "riff-offs," more romance, a more threatening rival, and definitely more of Fat Amy (Rebel Wilson).
Anna Kendrick reprises her more creative alt-vibe persona as Beca, still headstrong in her ambition to become a music producer. Beca's boss, played by Keegan Michael Key, is a hilarious addition to the film's comedy, funnier than all the Bellas combined. A new Bella, Hailee Steinfeld (True Grit), a cappella nerd David Cross, and the Green Bay Packers are also fun additions to the mix. And, as always, the crass and unapologetically misanthropic and skeptical duo of misogynist-at-heart John (John Michael Higgins) and the blunt Gail (Elizabeth Banks) as influential podcasters and rule-makers still bring hilarity to the movie.
The music is fun, and the the Bellas' competition is surely amped up this time. Never mind the Treblemakers— here comes the Nazi-rigid and precise German a cappella group, Da Sound Machine (DSM), who is better than the Barden Bellas. But we love our underdog girls, so their mediocre performance (their "winning" piece is not really a cappella like in the first movie) doesn't really matter. It's their charm that wins us over.
Despite the same stereotyping, racist and "sexually confused" jokes, the comedy is still surprisingly not offensive, because it's Pitch Perfect's brand of silly comedy. The sequel, penned by Kay Connor, surely delivers non-stop fun. It's an engaging and funny comeback, which probably won't be Elizabeth Banks' first and last directorial work.
3.5 out of 5 stars
Opens May 13, 2015 in Philippine cinemas
Photo credits: United International Pictures
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