Pitch Perfect 2

In about ten years, I invite you to open up a dictionary and look up the term "obligatory sequel." Next to the definition, you'll see a picture of Pitch Perfect 2. It hits all the notes needed to function as a good follow-up to a successful movie - our favorite characters return (with a couple of new faces), they face internal and external conflict, and they manage to surprise everyone by overcoming the odds and seeing their task through because they're unstoppable as a group. This is basically Cheaper by the Dozen 2 all over again, except with the Barden Bellas instead of the Baker family. But let the record show that when I was younger, I thought Cheaper by the Dozen 2 was a perfectly good movie. 

Everybody loved Pitch Perfect. And what's not to love? Anna Kendrick dominates the screen, the songs are catchy, and Rebel Wilson was still funny and not just a once-funny name with an Australian accent. This sequel gave us more of Kendrick's Beca, returned Wilson to her glory, and brought plenty of laughs. Yet despite this, it never goes beyond the expectations anyone had for it. It does nothing new, which is a disappointment, seeing how original its predecessor was. 

To recap the plot, the Bellas are suspended by the national a cappella association after an onstage mishap causes Fat Amy to expose herself to the President Obama, causing their chapter to be suspended from performing, holding auditions, or defending their title at national competitions. Distraught, the Bellas are told their only chance of reinstatement is to win an international competition, where the competition is tighter than ever. Groups from the whole world have perfected their acts, but none pose a greater threat to the Bellas than German champs Das Sound Machine (who, IMO, aren't even that fantastic).

Through a loophole, the Bellas are able to welcome in eager recruit Emily (Hailee Steinfeld), a cheeky freshman and daughter of one of the Bellas' original members. Emily brings original music to the group, something that's highly frowned upon in the a cappella community. Meanwhile, Beca, who is still seeing boyfriend Jesse (without any drama this time, thank God), starts skipping out on Bella responsibilities when she takes an internship at a music production company, where she's pushed to challenge herself in a professional setting. Also, three-time super-senior Chloe (Brittany Snow) is forced to face reality of the grown-up world, while Fat Amy finally gives in to her undeniable connection with former Treblemaker Bumper. 

Pitch Perfect 2 is a good comedy film, with smart comedic timing and a confident presence from all cast members, especially Kendrick, Steinfeld, and John Michael Higgins as one of the a cappella commentators. Musically, it never delivers a number that outdoes anything in the original, which, again, is a disappointment. But let's not dismiss the obvious fact that Pitch Perfect 2 is the obligatory sequel, and while it doesn't outdo or improve on Pitch Perfect in any ways, it works, at the very least, as a way to see some of your favorite characters in recent years again. 

Rating: 3/5