Pitch Perfect 2

Ignorance is a funny thing.

I'd guess that many people (mostly males) wrote off the first Pitch Perfect as a "chick flick" because it had to do with singing and the cast was mostly females. Hell, I know I almost did. 

Then Pitch Perfect actually came out, had strong word of mouth, and built a decently large following among guys and gals ever since. Truth be told, it's one of the few films where I VERY rarely have heard someone say they didn't like the film after they saw it, even if getting them to watch it in the first place was painful.

But yet I've seen a ton of hate, at least on some of the sites and groups I belong to, towards Pitch Perfect 2 this weekend. Many are angry that it beat out Mad Max: Fury Road at the box office and appalled that a chick flick is "winning".

I won't delve into the fact that both films did incredibly well at the box office and both will be more than ok. I also won't delve into the hypocrisy of the "chick flick" hatred despite the competition being a film where a one-armed woman kicks more ass than anyone on screen.

What I will do is ignore all that noise and review the very worthy sequel to one of my favorite films from 2012.

Because it's aca-awesome.

Slumber party Tetris!

Can they please host the Golden Globes?
Or Oscars? Or something?

I'm assuming that if you're still with me it's because you also enjoyed the first film. Without reveling too much in the past, I found it to be one of the best surprises of that year and it's a film that holds up strong, even after having watched it several times. Pitch Perfect 2 picks up three years after the first film (aka right now) and re-introduces us to a Barden Bellas group that is facing a significant amount of graduating members. On top of that, they recently humiliated themselves in front of the President in a hilarious opening scene that sets the stage for their "redemption" in the a capella world. Truth be told, the plot isn't all that unique, and I'd even venture to say it's clichéd given the young-adults-in-college genre that it resides. That's ok with me because of the expectations I had, and I'd say that really only one sub-plot really suffers and that would be Hailee Steinfeld's "freshman worries". She does fine in the film and is a solid addition, but I didn't really care or connect with the personal stuff she was going through. Beca's (Anna Kendrick) sub plot is typical and not all that special, but it provides us with some solid humor from Keegan-Michael Key (from Key and Peele). Meanwhile, Fat Amy and Bumper have a funny romance building that provides some truly great scenes.

What was really special about the first Pitch Perfect was how funny it was. The script was dry and witty and there was a lot of chemistry among the cast that allowed for there to comfortably be a lot of crass jokes. Pitch Perfect 2 is no different, and honestly, I'd say it's even funnier than the first. Very few jokes fall flat, Fat Amy (Rebel Wilson) has some quotable one-liners, and there are a few really solid "cameos" throughout. In addition, the commentary by John Michael Higgins and Elizabeth Banks (who also directed the film) is spot on, biting, and most importantly, had me rolling. Granted, it's competition so far is pretty thin, but Pitch Perfect 2 is the best comedy of 2015 thus far.

Fat Amy: leader of the pack

Equally as impressive are the musical numbers throughout. There is always a problem with films and current music because the actual filming and release date are separated by several months. The music in this film is a few months old (unless it's an oldie) but there are some good selections and the a capella style of singing them makes them feel original. Most of the film's performances are well choreographed and catchy, with only one or two seeming less-than-stellar. The Riff-Off in this one is a blast, and a hoot, and the finale for the Barden Bellas was outstanding. Many of the aforementioned ignorant people may scoff at the thought of enjoying the voices of people who can sing well, but I enjoyed the musical numbers just as much as any that you would have found in the original.

A great finale!

Pitch Perfect 2 is one of those films where I don't need a long review. It's a prime example of more of the same being exactly what I wanted to see. Unfortunately if you were not a fan of the first, I don't see this one exciting you or doing much to sway your opinion. But for those of us who were surprised...ahem...excuse me, "Pitch Slapped", back in 2012, Pitch Perfect 2 is a sequel that at least equates to the enjoyment and entertainment of the first one, if not surpasses it.

Pitches, it's aca-mazing!

CONS:

• The plot, much like the first, is nothing special and even slightly clichéd
• Some sub-plots don't add much to the film
• Some of the characters from the first film are placed on the sidelines

PROS:

• The cast remains superb and you can tell they have great chemistry
• Really fun and enjoyable throughout. It just puts a constant smile on your face
• Absolutely hilarious. Fat Amy is a riot, there are several notable one-liners, and the commentators are ruthless
• A few really fun cameos and additional characters
• Great musical numbers, especially the Riff-Off and the finale
• A strong sequel in almost every sense

Rath's Review Score: 9/10