Not Pitch Perfect but Pretty Funny.

Rating: 6/10 (23 June 2015)

Pitch Perfect 2 (2015): Dir: Elizabeth Banks / Cast: Anna Kendrick, Rebel Wilson, Hailee Steinfeld, Brittany Snow, Adam DeVine: Recycled sequel to the surprise hit of 2012. This time out instead of the Bella leader puking all over the front row, it is Rebel Wilson as Fat Amy suspended in midair in full view of the president, and an accident occurs that has them suspended. Their coveted title is given to a Russian group. Elizabeth Banks returns as one half of the witty commentators plus she takes the directing chair. She succeeds in presenting viewers with high energy musical numbers that fans of the first film will enjoy. While these segments are innovative, the screenplay is a recycled dud. As with the first film we have another sing off between five groups. We know how this ends and thankfully the music still rings true with a decent ensemble payoff. Anna Kendrick returns as Beca Mitchell who has taken over as leader of the Bellas. She conceals the fact that she has accepted an internship that could threaten her devotion to the group. Rebel Wilson provides many laughs as Fat Amy while also being given a worthy romantic subplot when previous film antagonist Bumper attempts to romance her. Hailee Steinfeld is in the Beca newcomer position here. She writes her own songs and desires to be a Bella because her mother is a legacy member. Brittany Snow reminds viewers of John Belushi in National Lampoon's Animal House when she cannot pull away after seven years of college. Adam DeVine again steals scenes as the now love lorn Bumper. While the screenplay here is far from pitch perfect, the musical numbers are explosive. Score: 6 / 10