"The music is just as good as the first film."

Rating: 7/10 (5 May 2015)

"The music is just as good as the first film." Those were the first words that I heard about Pitch Perfect 2 (immediately prior to the screening), and I was grateful for the lowered expectations. Not because the music in the film was terrible, but because whenever someone really tries to sell a film to me by talking it up, I end up feeling disappointed when I watch it for myself. I did not leave this film feeling disappointed.
It was nice to see Rebel Wilson tackle more screen time; her character Fat Amy was the cause of the majority of 'easy' laughs. I however preferred the deadpan social commentary of John (John Michael Higgins) and Gail (Elizabeth Banks), but seemed alone in either understanding or appreciating most of the scathing remarks. Other characters threw in a joke or two that got a lot of laughs, but they weren't so much for me.
Beca (Anna Kendrick) was a part of the plot in the same way I'm a part of Dungeons and Dragons when I play with my friends; I spend most of the game off by myself having my own little mini adventures, managing to re-join the group in time for the end. It was the way over-invested Chloe (Brittany Snow) who ultimately pushed the film forward due to her insecurities, aided by super cute newcomer Emily (Hailee Steinfeld).
Overall, this film delivers exactly what you want from this feel-good genre. It's funny, it's sweet, there's loads of music and it's a little bit crass.