Review: Pitch Perfect 2

Like its predecessor, Pitch Perfect 2 begins with an embarrassment and finishes with an unequivocal triumph. In between, there are some chuckles and high jinks along with the not-so-subtle but smoothly delivered messages of girl power, finding your own voice, and moving on but staying together. Theoretically, the sequel should aim to build on the foundation established in the original. Realistically, Pitch Perfect 2 falls a hair below the irrepressible delights of the first film.

Where Pitch Perfect was fresh and spontaneous, its sequel feels predictable and engineered. Returning screenwriter Kay Cannon imparts a good deal of hustle and bustle, yet the film often seems empty and hollow. The opening scene, which finds the three-time defending a cappella champions the Barden Bellas putting on a performance for President Obama and the First Lady that ends with Fat Amy (Rebel Wilson) suffering an unfortunate wardrobe malfunction, has a rushed air about it. It is as if producer and director Elizabeth Banks knew the amount of elements in play and decided that keeping her foot on the accelerator was the best and only option.

The scandal ensuing from Fat Amy's commando performance results in the Bellas being suspended from competing on a collegiate level. It does not, however, prevent them from competing in the World Champions in Copenhagen, though their chances of winning are highly unlikely. Commentators and a cappella governing members John (John Michael Higgins) and Gail (Banks) are so confident in the Bellas' all-but-guaranteed failure that they agree to reinstate the all-girl group if they achieve victory. John and Gail are the film's biggest strength - every casually bigoted aside and sharp rejoinder evoke hearty laughs. "An overweight girl dangling from the ceiling. Who hasn't had that dream?" John posits with a Pepsodent smile. "Lots of us," Gail assures him.

Before the Bellas can crush their international competition - mainly the Teutonic troupe called Das Sound Machine - they must overcome their internal conflicts. Beca (Anna Kendrick) finds her attention and loyalties divided when she starts a covert internship at a record label run by an intimidating, multi-award-winning producer (Keegan-Michael Key, inspired as ever). New recruit Emily (Hailee Steinfeld), meanwhile, struggles to find her place in this ragtag bunch of misfits. Fat Amy is torn - well, not that torn - between wanting to remain an uncontained firework and committing to boyfriend Bumper (Adam DeVine). Their duet of Pat Benatar's "We Belong" is a delight.

Though there is so much going on and many components often feel rehashed or not fully formed, Pitch Perfect 2 succeeds due to the talents of Kendrick, who confidently anchors the film, and Wilson, who once again steals it with her brash and improvisational comic skills. Banks puts forth a solid directorial debut, absolutely hitting that finale number out of the park and turning it into a potent and stirring number of sisterhood.

Pitch Perfect 2

Directed by: Elizabeth Banks

Written by: Kay Cannon; based on characters created by Mickey Rapkin

Starring: Anna Kendrick, Rebel Wilson, Hailee Steinfeld, Brittany Snow, Skylar Astin, Adam DeVine, Ben Platt, Birgitte Hjort Sørensen, Anna Camp, Keegan-Michael Key, Katey Sagal, Elizabeth Banks, John Michael Higgins