Review: Pitch Perfect 2 Aca-Almost Hits All the Right Notes

If you are a fan of the first Pitch Perfect, it’s pretty safe to assume Pitch Perfect 2 might be exactly what you need in life. Now under the direction of dependably splendid co-star Elizabeth Banks, there’s an impressive continuity between the two films that makes for a seamless segue. The self-aware tone of its predecessor is maintained and emphasized even further this go-round, and the oft exceptionally weird, highly hit-or-miss humor is alive, well, and, well, sometimes Pitch Perfect's achilles heel.

Let’s just get this out of the way: if you can push past many of these movies' often problematic sense of humor when it comes to stereotypes, you’re going to have a great time. If you can’t, you may find yourself cringing at the way many of its characters are portrayed. Now, there are plenty of moments of ‘sexual confusion’ in the film that fill our queer hearts with glee. Beca (Anna Kendrick, trademark smirk and sarcasm at maximum levels) finds herself enamored with the Barden Bella’s new rival Das Sound Machine’s tall, blonde leader (which we totally get, we have a crush on Birgitte Hjort Sørensen too). Chloe (Brittany Snow) continues her quest to experiment with Beca - though, spoilers to anyone who’s been waiting for this moment since the two sang "Titanium" in the showers - nothing happens. There better be a third one, just saying.

However, the only character who is an out lesbian, Cynthia (Ester Dean, who's clearly a talented actress and an even more talented vocalist), is mostly reduced to jokes and references to touching the hot “slutty” Bella Stacie (Alexis Knapp) inappropriately and often against her will. This behavior has been happening since the first movie, so viewers won’t be surprised, just disappointed that this is still where the script feels it needs to go for humor.

Sadly, another bearer of unfortunate Pitch Perfect jokes is a new member of the Bellas, Flo (Chrissie Fit), whose only lines are depressing and occasionally horrifying tales of her immigration and potential deportation from America. Throw in Fat Amy and the script’s refusal to move on from referencing her size (although Rebel Wilson has mastered this role) into the equation, and Pitch Perfect truly seems to irreparably struggle from an inability to find anything to say about these characters other than a colorful variety of jokes that revolve around easy-target stereotypes. Of course, the entire world of Pitch Perfect has a very odd sense of humor, and much of it is laugh-out-loud hysterical right up until the credits role. It's a shame these films can't shake this unnecessary humor for something that would be more respectful to the characters and most likely more fun for audience.

However, there really is plenty to love about Pitch Perfect 2. The plot of this film has the girls on the top of their game and facing their final year in college - only their winning streak is ruined when Amy has a stunt incident that puts her in the nude in front of President Obama (literally. He's literally there). Now, the girls are disgraced and can only reclaim their former glory if they win the World Championship, which is usually dominated by Das Sound Machine, a German group that makes for some of the most splendid villains in film in a while. Their arrangements and choreography are so entertaining you might be ready to give them the world championship title yourself.

Pitch perfect is never better than its flashy, vibrant, cleverly remixed mashups and even at your most annoyed you won’t be able to keep from bopping along or potentially tearing up at the Bella’s senior year hoorah. Because, no matter how wonderful they are or how stressed we can get at the Barden Bellas, this movie is always about sisterhood and the importance of sticking it to your friends, no matter what. The true anchor of this group is Anna Kendrick, whose sly comic timing and realism in the face of absurdity makes her the perfect lead for this film. However, the Barden Bellas have now graduated, and if the series is going to continue it looks like it will be helmed by Hailee Steinfeld, who joins the group as a freshman. Now here’s hoping for a third movie where the music is somehow even cooler, the jokes are less reliant on unfortunate stereotypes, and Chloe and Beca have finally realized they are soul mates. We can dream. 

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