PITCH PERFECT 2 – The Review

Let’s raise a cheer for the lil’ movie that could. Or better yet, let’s hit a high note. Three years ago a modestly budgeted flick opened with little fanfare that starred a cast of relative unknowns. Ladies, too! Well mostly, there were a few potential beaus hanging about, but the main focus was on this motley group of young women in college. And they comprised an a capella singing group. Not cheerleaders, not a sport team, but singers. The first PITCH PERFECT didn’t set any box office records, but it continued to quietly play, for more than just a couple of weeks, at the multiplex. Well, it made its money back, at least. But what happened with the initial Austin Powers flick struck again. Repeated cable TV airings and brisk, very brisk, home video sales (and a hit music single) made the execs at Universal take notice. And now, thanks to the fans, here’s the further adventures, well…misadventures of the Barden Bellas in PITCH PERFECT 2.

As the new movie begins (after the Universal logo music is sung, naturally), the Bellas have reached the top. They’re performing as part of the President’s birthday celebration. All goes well until…Amy (Rebel Wilson) experiences the mother of all wardrobe malfunctions. Nationwide scandal ensues with the video played on a continuous loop via cable news, and  so the ladies are called into the Dean’s office.  The heads of the Aca Circuit (commentators John Michael Higgins and the film’s director/producer Elizabeth Banks) banish them from the national competitions. But, due to a loophole in the Aca rules, they can compete in the international competition. Unfortunately this will pit them against the intimidating German champions Das Sound Machine. During  all the turmoil, the Bellas welcome an eager freshman as a new member, Emily (Hailee Steinfeld), who’s a legacy daughter. Meanwhile Beca (Anna Kendrick) must split her time between rehearsals and her new intern job at a hot, hip hop recording studio. Oh, and Amy has a romance with ex-music rival now college security man Bumper (Adam DeVine), while seven-year college veteran Chloe (Britanny Snow) prepares to head into the real world. But first, can they repair their reputations and triumph at the big contest in Denmark?

Great seeing the Bellas back together. They’re all superb but one duo really stands out. The closest to the heroic lead would have to be the spectacular Ms. Kendrick. She exercises her solo singing chops once again, but not with a pop tune as with “Cups” in the original, but with a holiday standard duet with a very unexpected partner (a great cameo). She gets some of the film’s best bits of snark and sarcasm and delivers them with just the correct light touch. And she’s a terrific team player, setting up gags for her co-stars to hit them out of the park. In this aspect, then Wilson is the flick’s Babe Ruth. In the last few years we’ve seen her steal scenes in movies like PAIN AND GAIN and the final MUSEUM entry, but her talents are truly showcased in this film. That joy of performance truly jumps off the screen with a physicality to rival any of the classic screen comics (but still surprisingly graceful). Wilson is both the movie’s pulsating life force and wild unbridled id. She and Kendrick have one very funny short scene together which makes me hope that they’ll eventually team for a fantastic buddy comedy. The fellas don’t have a lot to do this time. Sylar Astin as Beca’s beau Jessie is mainly there for support while pal Benji played by Ben Platt mainly stutters and stammers when near Emily. The exception is DeVine who is endearingly obnoxious as Amy’s hopeful romantic partner (be sure and stick around for his sublime bonus scene during the end credits). Happily several screen veterans bring loads of laughs. The absurd commentary from Higgins and Banks always delivers (wonder if their roles are related to Fred Willard’s dim bulb character in BEST OF SHOW). David Cross has a delightful bit as an extremely wealthy, hardcore music fan. The biggest scene stealer this time out may be Keegan-Michael Key as Beca’s supremely, self-absorbed boss who delights in intimidating and humiliating his staff (“Eat in the corner, Dax!”). They’re all part of a colossal comedy team, perhaps the Avengers of music and humor.

First time feature director, the talented Ms. Banks, gets the very best work from her cast while keeping the film rolling at a brisk pace, knowing when to move on and propel the plot. My only complaints would be the overuse of music montages (at least four) and not trimming the intimidation scenes between Das Sound and the Bellas (the German leader’s threatening monologues almost bring the film to a halt). But most of the fans are there for the laughs and the tunes, which the film delivers thanks in large part to music maestro Mark Mothersbaugh and the whole costume and choreography team. Of course I doubt if anyone could sustain those dulcet tones while executing these strenuous moves, but I’m nitpicking (afraid I’d skip some refrains while gasping for air). The aca-fanatics will find this new outing well worth the three-year wait while newbies can revel in the high spirits and positive messages (supportive female bonding, you bet and it passes the Bechdel test with flying colors!). PITCH PERFECT 2 is a sweet, funny bit of fluff that never hits a sour note! Keep singin’ them sweet tunes, Bellas!

4 Out of 5