Pitch Perfect 2 - A Film Review by Imogene

 

Pitch Perfect 2

 

Directed: Elizabeth Banks

Starring: Anna Kendrick, Rebel Wilson, Hailee Steinfield, Brittany Snow, Skylar Astin, Adam DeVine, Ben Platt, Anna Camp, Snoop Dogg, Elizabeth Banks, John Michael Higgins

 

Genre: Comedy, Music

 

Stars 5/5

 

(Spoilers!!)

 

 

I was so excited to see this film after the first one, because the trailer looked so funny and because when you've started with one film, it's polite to follow the series through to the end, right? Well anyway, one weekend, Els and myself was away and on the way home we made a stop to watch it subtitled in Luton - I'm so glad we did!

 

We see the return of all the quirky individuals at Barden University within the Barden Bellas circa. I'm so glad the film started in such a gripping way - before we've barely got into the film I was bopping in my seat ready to have lots of fun, I wasn't disappointed! That first scene was the most hilarious one I've seen for a while and genuine laughter came out, I couldn't believe how surprising and unexpected it was, which was definitely what reaction they were after.

 

The Barden Bellas got disgraced and humiliated in front of the President on his Birthday as Fat Amy's solo didn't go to plan at all, although an accident (or intentional as some thought) it put a black mark against the a cappella group.

They get told that they can no longer perform as a group at the University or in any competitions, completely heartbroken, Beca argued that what if they were to be reinstated after winning the World A Cappella Tournament - simply laughed down yet they agreed that the suspension would be lifted, however there was no way they would win the Worlds contest.

 

 

The Bellas got to work to prove everyone wrong, despite having that blip they were going to be reinstated and show what they were made of.

Beca, however was following her own dream of becoming a music producer working as an intern, she decided to keep that section of her life completely under wraps as she felt none of the other Bellas would understand her position. She was essentially leading two lives and only her boyfriend Jesse was kept in the loop. After a while it did come out as she was heavily distracted in ways to impress her boss with Snoop Dogg's Christmas Album - which she did but she found it harder and harder to keep it quiet, especially as it was taking up so much of her time. The others couldn't understand why she would keep it from them as it's their dream to get big as a group - but University was going to end soon and she was trying to think ahead. Fat Amy talked her into coming clean as it was only going to make things more awkward, as the others were starting to notice her distance.

 

I really enjoyed this as I love Beca and Fat Amy's friendship, they're very open and honest with one another and it was a touching scene between them. It proved that Fat Amy isn't all jokes - although she makes us all laugh just by being herself.

 

Half way through this film we see a new character, Emily join the Barden University and in search of the Barden Bellas. She's all out to impress them with her original song in hope they'll love it and she can join up. They were reluctant to let her audition as they weren't supposed to let any new member join due to their suspended status, but as her mother was a Bella many years ago they were impressed that she was known and also could sing even if the audition was a little shaky. They did let her join and went all out for a party at the Treblemakers.

 

I loved that through this film we get to see some relationships blossom - Fat Amy finds a relationship in Bumper at the party and it was done very humorously, it's always really nice to see that relationships come from everywhere despite what you may look like - they're a fabulous couple and I really enjoyed watching them develop! Benji also develops a major crush on Emily, making out some of the funniest scenes as he stuttered badly through trying to connect with her.

 

Later the group attend a show that they were supposed to be headlining yet to find their replacements very intimidating. The German group DSM "Das Sound Machine" were spectacularly good, yet the Bellas never let it get to them (too) much as they vowed over some highly amusing banter - or threats as I suppose they were meant to be that they will outdo them.

The Barden Bellas got beaten by DSM in the riff off on the final round, which was highly frustrating. Emily tried to do her original song as the group seemed stumped for a song in the challenge causing them to lose - the group was completely gutted by this as they so wanted to prove their worth to DSM and themselves. It caused rehearsals to not go to well and they all ended up falling out, they were totally out of sync and the stress of the Tournament was really getting to them.

 

Chloe decides to take action and books them all for a retreat; although when they get there it's not that they were quite expecting. It was a boot camp ran by former Bella, Aubrey!

They thought they were in for some fun and relaxation yet it couldn't be further from the truth, they were there to restore their fractured harmony. They were there to get the Barden Bellas up, back and running again for they have lost their friendships and enthusiasm for the group. Their goal was getting tarnished by all the falling out.

We saw many amusing moments during boot camp as they all had to re-learn to care and watch out for one another.

 

 

I really liked this section of the film as we saw some parts of the characters we haven't perhaps seen before, it was calming and it was lovely that we saw a deeper side to many of the Bellas. Despite the film being a comedy there's always that scene that brings everything back to earth isn't there? They all admitted their fears and triumphed with their joys and it's something that everyone can relate to when watching this film. After baring their hearts they all found they'd got their harmony back and enjoyed a song around the campfire.

 

We also saw the development between Fat Amy and Bumper as he shared his feelings for her (that she rejected) yet she comes to realise that she does in fact love him - in doing a true display of affection - singing a solo. I laughed so much during this part as it was something you were hoping for and almost expected. You expect some random, OTT moment from Fat Amy, but until this point she was retained in the group, just sprouting a odd line that made you giggle. I was pretty happy there was a happy ending there!

 

After Graduating the Bellas joined again to attend the Worlds A Cappella Tornament, with their name still very much in need of reforming, they're ready to give their biggest fight yet, but with their spirits high it was a success. They end up performing Emily's original song (it's unheard of) in a trendy way along with generations of ex bellas joining (including Aubrey!) - they really made the show their own and beat DSM, which was something they were incredibly proud of. They proved themselves to everyone and came back in force!

 



 I was a little sad that the film ended there, but it definitely got left in a spot where they could carry a third film - and I feel they really could! Personally, I found the second film so much better than the first which is usually unheard of - it was once again for Anna Kendrick and Rebel Wilsons' characters that stole the whole film, they work so well together and are such strong characters that they lift the others with their own. I would be very excited to watch a #3.

The film for me was really great, I enjoyed it immensely and genuinely felt amused the whole way through; there was so many funny parts that was lacking in the first film, but I'm glad they corrected it in this one as it was the best one yet! There was so much involved in this film and it was worked in a way that it flowed really well.
I think the first scene in the film was very crucial and it was so on point - it did set the bar high which was risky, but clearly one that was worth taking. It's a 5/5 from me!