REVIEW: Pitch Perfect 2

PITCH PERFECT 2

RELEASE DATE: OUT NOW

RATED: PG-13

RATING: *****/*****

 

PREMISE: (via IMDB)The Bellas are back, and they are better than ever. After being humiliated in front of none other than the President of the United States of America, the Bellas are taken out of the Aca-Circuit. In order to clear their name and regain their status, the Bellas take on a seemingly impossible task: winning an International competition no American team has ever won. In order to accomplish this monumental task, they need to strengthen the bonds of friendship and sisterhood, and blow away the competition with their amazing aca-magic! With all new friends and old rivals tagging along for the trip, the Bellas can hopefully accomplish their dreams once again.

 

THE PRO'S: Just as fun, funny, and exciting as the original. The new characters are extremely fun. Great music. Acting, writing, and story are solid.

THE CON'S: It's aca-awesome, I can't find any cons!

 

THE REVIEW:

 

And now for one of my favorite movies of the summer so far! That's right, the return of the amazing Barton Bellas! And let me tell you, an awesome return it definitely is! And I am definitely just as much in love with it as the original.

 

The film takes place three years after the original. After a humiliating moment performing for the President, the Bella's are banned from competitions during their senior year. Angry and humiliated, they make a bet: if they can win the world championships they will be reinstated. And now, with a host of new Bella's (including a legacy) along for the ride, they prepare to do just that.

 

And it's just as fun an adventure as the original by far, if not even better! The humor here is right on-point with the hilarious original. Each character has time to crack their fun one-liners, and the leads as usual are a riot. Though of course, Elizabeth Banks (also the director) and John Michael Higgins both steal the show with their snarky commentary!

 

What's more, the new characters are absolutely awesome too! Both of the new rivals are a lot of fun, even though they are pure evil. And Hailee Steinfeld's new Bella, Emily also kicks a lot of butt. I was especially impressed with Steinfeld, considering I had never heard her sing, she had an amazing singing voice. As usual, the rest of the characters are on top of their game and Brittany Snow, Anna Kendrick, and Rebel Wilson are all amazing in their roles.

 

Another important part handled well here is the music! Wow, I really loved all of the music in here. Their song, Flashlight is a personal favorite of mine, not only is it catchy, but it's really fun too. Other highlights include the "Crazy Youngsters" song done over the credits, and practically every song that was used for this film's riff-off. Really, all of the music was really great this time, without a bad one in the bunch.

 

The story here is also really fun as well. It's not exactly the most deep story in the world, but the message and heart to it are just great. I loved it's message about growing up and moving on, and I loved how they handled it. I felt like I could really connect with the girls on an even bigger level than I did in the original, considering I graduated last semester and had the same issues.

And that's ultimately why these movies are so great. The characters feel very real and authentic, especially here. I feel like everyone can relate to someone in this movie, and what they're going through. And it's for that reason I continue to be impressed with the great writing this series has. And hope it continues for a long time. (A third is already in the works!)

 

So....

 

IN CONCLUSION:

 

Pitch Perfect 2 is aca-amazing! I really enjoyed this movie on both a fan and critical level. It's a lot of fun, funny, and entertaining. And if you loved the original, you're sure to love this one!

 

5 OUT OF 5 STARS

MY HIGHEST RECOMMNDATIONS