Pitch Perfect 2 (2015)

From my favorite movies..

The performances transcend the film's tropes, grounding it in characters that feel more complete than this subgenre often produces.

The movie is wonderful and true, an act of love in all its contradictions and complexity

All of these films share one commonality, that being a kind of emotional center that humanizes a cast of monsters.

The sequel contains the same politically incorrect humor as the first one with announcer John (John Michael Higgins) frequently stepping over line. In this film Reba Wilson plays a larger role as Fat Amy and up and coming Hailee Steinfeld is added to the mix as song writer Emily. If you watch any preview, it will give away what little plot there is. This match is the "Rocky IV" as they go up against giants on their home turf.The film isn't exactly a remake, but follows the formula that made the first film a success. Anne Kendrick in a plaid skirt is enough to make me purchase the film. I will wait for the two pact with special features. It is a film that will convince you there is a song for every moment. It was also fun to watch the Green Bay Packers do a few tunes. If you loved the first one, this one is a no brainer.Guide: 1 f-bomb. Adult gestures and talk. No sex or nudity. Plenty of insults and stereotypes.

I don't usually watch movies back to back, but having just finished the first movie, my family wanted to jump into the second. The characters are still good, and they do grow somewhat, but the music isn't as catchy as the first movie. I liked some of the other groups from around the world, particularly the German rivals, so that added a bit to the movie. Also fewer laughs than the first, but still pretty solid.

'Pitch Perfect 2' (rare in the fact that it doesn't have a sub-title!) is a decent sequel to the surprise 2012 hit comedy about a university a capella group. This film is obviously aimed at females and is going after a younger audience, introducing 18-year-old Emily (Steinfeld) into the mix now - probably to allow a third film in the series. However, these don't make it a bad film - still plenty of enjoyable moments throughout.There's probably less of a focus on the singing this time round, because - let's face it - a capella isn't really that exciting and can get old pretty quick. Especially with some of the rival teams - "Das Sound Machine" - and some of the terrible song choices (depending on your point-of-view, obviously). This is usually a good thing, as it gives Amy (Wilson) a chance to drop more quick-witted remarks and have more awkwardness with Bumper (DeVine) and even Becca (Kendrick) has some funny moments with her new boss (Keegan-Michael Key). But the best bits are still between the commentators - Elizabeth Banks (also her first time directing) & John Michael Higgins - plenty of hilarious lines and inappropriate comments. It's a little too long (almost two hours), has a few redundant scenes and is very predictable, but you're going to get what you expect - lots of laughs, some young-adult-what-does-the-future-hold musing and plenty of extras in a Louisiana field pretending it's a Danish festival! I wish the original song ('Flashlight') wasn't by Jessie J, but there's still some decent songs in it.

I was quite shocked when I saw and enjoyed "Pitch Perfect". After all, I am in my 50s and not exactly the demographic they were going for in the film. So, because of this, I then decided to try "Pitch Perfect II"...and I did enjoy the film, though not quite as much as the first film. Much of it was due to Jessica Kendrick's character...who just didn't seem anything like the sweet lady from the first movie.The film begins with the a capella group at the very top of the world. They are performing on television at the Kennedy Center for the President! However, due to a horrific wardrobe malfunction, the group goes from the darlings of America to hated jerks. The film is about how the girls somehow manage to overcome this AND take on the dreaded German group, DSM at the international championship in Copenhagen.The best thing about the film was also a big plus in the first movie--the inane commentary by the two announcers (Elizabeth Banks and John Michael Higgens)...especially Higgens. As for Banks, it wasn't like she was a slouch, as she also directed and co-produced the movie! I also enjoyed seeing many of the familiar characters from the other films...aside from Kendricks', who seemed inexplicably self-centered and grouchy. For this reason alone, I think the original is a tad better....but they are both still very watchable.