Pitch Perfect 2

Pitch Perfect 2:  Passing the Torch

A Review by Moriya Bradley

B+

When Pitch Perfect (2012) came out, it’s safe to say that it took the world by storm.  It was a relatively low budget “musical” if you will, based on the book by Mickey Rapkin, and the first week after it came out, it was all anyone could talk about.  The quick wit script combined with a cast of diverse, fabulous ladies, makes it no surprise that the film is now quoted and applauded everywhere.  The sequel, Pitch Perfect 2, is no exception.  Returning cast members include Anna Kendrick, Skylar Astin, Brittany Snow, Rebel Wilson, Ben Platt, Anna Camp, Alexis Knapp, Ester Dean, Adam DeVine, Hana Mae Lee, John Michael Higgins and Elizabeth Banks.

Summary:

This time around, it has been three years since Beca has joined the Barden Bellas, and they are three time acapella National Champions.  But now, Beca has the opportunity of her dreams: to intern at a major recording studio and hopefully get her start producing music.  Beca is torn, wanting to chase her dreams, but also feeling guilty as her Bella responsibilities begin to falter.  On top of it all, the Bella’s get suspended from competing at the collegiate level because of a little “accident” during a performance.  In an effort to redeem themselves and be reinstated to return as reigning champs, the Bella’s endeavor to win the title World Champions, competing against the intimidating and talented acapella team Das Sound Machine, while also gaining new member "Legacy" (Hailee Steinfeld) to carry on the Barden Bella name once Beca and the other seniors graduate.

Thoughts:

While I do think that the original is still superior, this was one sequel that I did enjoy.  All of the best characters are back with their hilarious one liners, which is all anyone can really hope for.  The plot was slightly more lacking than it’s predecessor, and I wasn’t as big of a fan of the song choices for the sequel.  While the humor is extremely funny, it is adult humor.  Some of it can be quite offensive, so it isn’t for children or those who are faint of heart.  The racial and sexist slurs are more frequent and pronounced than the first film, which some may be fine with and some won’t be.  Like I said, it isn’t a movie for people sensitive to those types of comments.  I haven’t laughed that hard in a movie in a very long time, so while the content isn’t squeaky clean, it’s still very enjoyable for those who were a fan of the first film.

Content:

This film is rated PG-13 for innuendo and language.  To this, I would also add that racial slurs, sexist and sexual/orientation jokes.  There is no nudity or sex scenes, though there are some implied.  Everything sexual is meant to be humorous and not really sensual or erotic.  There is mild language throughout and one use of the F-word.  If you are concerned about content, a more in depth outline can be found here.