I wouldn't call myself a fan of musicals, but I do love my "pitches" (term used by the characters of this movie just in case you were unaware of that). And I did miss them while they were gone. And it looks like this one was so successful, they will be back. And while most male actors here (even those who "survived"/came back from the first movie) are nothing more than a filler (you could argue they are having cameos), the executive for whom Kendricks character is working is pure gold (you might have seen some comedy skits of his).

Other than that, we get a great mixture of female bonding together, fights in the family, a new member, a new "villain" ("ze Germans" this time around) and a lot of Acapella. Well of course we do. One of the funniest skits is when towards the end we get that while trying to cross the street ... you'll either laugh or feel annoyed by it. For me it was the former. Same can be applied to the rest of the movie. And while I loved this one too (as I did the first one), I'm not sure a third one is/was necessary ... but I sure will Aca-watch it!

I was quite shocked when I saw and enjoyed "Pitch Perfect". After all, I am in my 50s and not exactly the demographic they were going for in the film. So, because of this, I then decided to try "Pitch Perfect II"...and I did enjoy the film, though not quite as much as the first film. Much of it was due to Jessica Kendrick's character...who just didn't seem anything like the sweet lady from the first movie.

The film begins with the a capella group at the very top of the world. They are performing on television at the Kennedy Center for the President! However, due to a horrific wardrobe malfunction, the group goes from the darlings of America to hated jerks. The film is about how the girls somehow manage to overcome this AND take on the dreaded German group, DSM at the international championship in Copenhagen.

The best thing about the film was also a big plus in the first movie--the inane commentary by the two announcers (Elizabeth Banks and John Michael Higgens)...especially Higgens. As for Banks, it wasn't like she was a slouch, as she also directed and co-produced the movie! I also enjoyed seeing many of the familiar characters from the other films...aside from Kendricks', who seemed inexplicably self-centered and grouchy. For this reason alone, I think the original is a tad better....but they are both still very watchable.

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.