Pitch
Perfect was one of the biggest breakout comedies of 2012, raking up a
substantial box office gross and a legion of fans, thanks mainly to standout
roles from Rebel Wilson and Anna Kendrick and a specific ‘Cups’ rendition that
almost, kinda shook the world. Pitch Perfect 2 came storming out the gates
three years later to an even stronger box office showing (out-grossing its
predecessor in three days) and
building the franchise further – but how does the film stack up to the
original?
We
meet Beca, Amy, Chloe & Co three years down the line, as they perform for
the President’s Birthday Gala. Quite frankly, it all goes tits up (ahem) and
they become an international disgrace. Their only shot at redemption is at ‘The
Worlds’, a worldwide a capella competition - but America’s reputation in these
contests, personal troubles and struggles and group tension threatens what
already seems like an undefeatable task. Can the girls take on the World and
win back their crown?
The
majority of the cast returns for the franchises second outing, with an expanded
role and Directorship for Elizabeth Banks; who takes what worked with the first
film and runs with it. Anna Kendrick and Brittany Snow are particular standouts
but one woman steals any and every scene she is in. Rebel Wilson as Fat Amy
proves to be constantly hilarious yet again, with her expanded role offering
even more belly laughs the second time around. Her chemistry with Adam DeVine
as Bumper is undeniable and fun to watch but even he isn’t immune to being outshone
by the funnier counterpart. Newcomer
Hailee Steinfeld offers promise as an actress, but her character is undeveloped
and often one dimensional, seemingly used to progress the plot at points. This
needs work for Part 3.
Unquestionably,
the film is a giggle from start to finish, with varying degrees of success
throughout. While some laughs are a little close to the mark, others fail to
live up to it. But when the film is really, truly funny, it really, truly
works. The opening sequence is incredible and super hilarious, while a scene
involving Fat Amy paddling across a lake singing ‘We Belong’ made me cry of
laughter – in fact, the whole retreat section is brilliantly done and a chuckle.
The competition commentators continue to offer dry and witty humour that you
probably shouldn’t laugh at, but you do, in a thankfully expanded role. Even
when it’s not trying to be funny, you are always smiling with this film.
It’s
cheesy, sentimental and more over the top than the last film, but heartwarming
and an absolute giggle from start to end. While the finale performance is
slightly self-admiring, the overall film continues the success of the original in
more ways the one, expanding on the success and adding more room for growth. I’ll
be looking forward to seeing the girls again in Pitch Perfect 3 when it hits
cinemas in 2017.
Summary:
Pitch Perfect 2 improves on the original in most ways – with Fat Amy being a continued
highlight throughout - but needs a little fine-tuning in regards to new
characters and the music selection.
Highlights: Any and every scene with Rebel Wilson/Fat Amy.
★★★★★★★★★☆
(9/10)