Pitch Perfect 2

Let me begin by saying; I loved the first Pitch Perfect, it was funny, smart, catchy and touching, as for the second, it's OK. Here's a pros and cons list of the sequel; Pros; Rebel Wilson is always funny, the songs picked for the movie, Hailee Steinfeld was a strong edition to the cast, and of course, Keegan Michael Key. Key from Key & Peele is arguably the best part of the movie.

Cons- some offensive jokes that didn't hit the proper notes, I felt that Adam Devine wasn't as strong as he could've been in this one, and this is coming from someone who's a fan. Overall it is very enjoyable, but not as good as the original.

When Pitch Perfect arrived back in 2012, it was considered a reasonable critical and commercial success - $65 million box office from a $17 million budget was nothing for Hollywood execs to be over-thrilled about but profitable enough to be thought of as a win. Then in the years following a combination of DVD rentals, sales and downloads as well as fantastic word of mouth turned Pitch Perfect into a guilty pleasure/cult classic – a chick flick that appeals to both sexes with a feel good factor, quotable dialogue and a soundtrack good enough to sing along to. Fans were crying out for a sequel and therefore in true Hollywood tradition, an encore has now arrived. Whilst Pitch Perfect 2 doesn't quite hit the same heights of the original, it doesn't disappoint.

Set three years later, the Bellas, led by Beca (Anna Kendrick) are at the top of their game. Three time national Champions and now performing in front of the President of the United States. After an ill-fated Miley Cyrus-like act by Fat Amy (Aussie actress Rebel Wilson) causes the whole world to see her private parts, the Bellas are humiliated and banned from performing in the National Championships. Seemingly back at square one, their only road to redemption is to win the World Championships – a tournament that no American a capella group has ever won. Faced against the terrifying but efficient German group Das Sound Machine, the odds are once again stacked against the Bellas and, just like before, they return to being underdogs.

Thankfully there is more plot for the audience to be involved with including Beca's internship at a recording studio as she follows her dream to become a music producer, although it's proving harder than she thought. Fat Amy gets her time in the spotlight in a will she/won't she love story. New character Emily, (Hailee Stanfield) is also a welcome addition as the newest member of the Bellas and contributes immensely as the group bond and are forced to re- discover who they are.

Although Pitch Perfect 2 is more or less a repeat of the first movie, there are plenty laughs to be had throughout and is equally as funny as the original. The majority of the comedy is centred around Kendrick, Wilson and Brittany Snow and, whilst the rest of the group are practically invisible at times, the one-liners are shared out amongst them. The supporting cast are also as reliable and as funny as ever. The inevitable musical climax is good enough for the audience to stand up and cheer in support of the Bellas.

It's a guarantee that Pitch Perfect 2 will be more successful than the original and talk of a three-quel will no doubt arise, however if this is to be the Bella's last performance, it's a worthwhile hit to finish on.

Anna Kendrick and the crew are back in this exciting sequel many have been waiting for. Set three years after the first film, the Barden Bellas have become one of the most popular singing groups in their country. However, after an embarrassing incident during a show puts them in a negative spotlight, the girls attempt to regain their fame by competing in an international competition. I was very pleased by this film, it was funny, charming, energetic, and never disappointed me.

I wouldn't say that this film was as good as the first one, but it pretty close. Like the first film, Pitch Perfect 2 brings out the laughter, charm, and heart that everyone enjoyed in the original. Rebel Wilson, who plays Fat Amy, is much funnier in this time around. Almost every one-liner she spits out had me laughing hysterically. The rest of the girls are very funny as well. I was quite intrigued by how Hailee Steinfield was cast as the new girl. I never expected to see her in a comedy. I was also surprised by some of the song they sing here. There were a lot of songs from the late 90s and early 2000s that many kids who grew in the 90s remember from their childhood as well as recent songs. Overall, this film was very satisfying.

If you enjoyed the 2012 original, I will surely enjoyed this film. While its not quite on the level of the first film, it is still worth watching.

The three-time champs Barden Bellas has an embarrassing incident when Fat Amy (Rebel Wilson) flashes the audience during a performance for the President. They face punishment and replaced on the tour by the German Das Sound Machine. Beca (Anna Kendrick) starts an internship with a record producer (Keegan-Michael Key) keeping it a secret from the Bellas. Chloe (Brittany Snow) is more driven than ever before. Emily Junk (Hailee Steinfeld) is a legacy and joins the group. They vow to win the World Championship to regain their standing.

I really like the first movie. The girls are lovable. Their friendship is charming. There is just the right amount of humor. This one has made a few changes. Adding Hailee Steinfeld is nice. Elizabeth Banks' directing skills are functional. The girls remain charming. I personally like Rebel Wilson although there may be too much of her in this one. The problem is that the humor seems dumber. I don't mean it's simply broader and more coarse. I mean it seems stupider and less well written. The whole movie feels like a step down.

Let me lay my cards out there straightaway. I'm a 31 year old bloke, married with two kids, who loves films and music.

And I love this film.

I Ioved the first film, and this one builds on it. But you have to appreciate that the film is based around college. For anyone that's actually been to college they should have experienced parties/people/incidents replicated in this film. I don't really understand why people show so much disdain for the 'childish' humour!

That aside...

Hats off to Elizabeth Banks for her directorial debut, you'd never know there was any change from the first film. And her inserts with John Michael Higgins are excellent, if you take them at face value for exactly what they are intended to be; humour! And pretty sexist, misogynistic humour!

Anna Kendrick is, as always, stunning (yes, the wife knows!) and simply brilliant. Shows just how much of an actress she is having improvised almost half her lines and proves once again that she can actually sing (albeit that the singing is not on set and pre-recorded).

The rest of the cast is brilliant and it's nice to see a little more of Esther Dean actually singing/rapping rather than her usual producing.

Hailee Steinfeld has stepped in seamlessly. I don't think we saw enough of Rebel Wilson though, reckon there'll be a few deleted scenes that didn't make it.

Good to see a lot of humour applied to the Ashley/Jessica situation (unless you know the film you won't get this).

The final song was actually very good. Maybe not as unexpected as the first film but brilliant with an original start and an excellent surprise at the end that I think added a very personal and moving touch.

It will be a shame if the franchise is over!