Sing-off sequel hits all right notes
Offbeat a cappella vehicle hums with feel-good humour
šššš PITCH PERFECT 2. Director: Elizabeth Banks. Starring: Anna Kendrick, Rebel Wilson, Hailee Steinfeld. Showing at: Walmer Park, Boardwalk, Bridge, Hemingways. Review by Louise Keller IT’S the offbeat nature of the characters and their approach to the a cappella music they sing that gives this upbeat sequel edge.
In musical terms, you might say it feels syncopated. Directing her first full-length feature, Elizabeth Banks, who also appears (alongside John Michael Higgins) as one of the jaded collegiate commentators, has created a spirited film that feels fresh, using humour and music to distinctly coat the narrative.
Screenwriter Kay Cannon sets the tone in the opening routine, in which Rebel Wilson’s Fat Amy has a wardrobe malfunction on stage while dangling upside down. This forms the premise that sees the all-girl singing group suspended from competing – unless they win the world a cappella championships in Copenhagen.
Highlights include the scenes in which the rivalry between the Barden Bellas and German reigning champions Das Sound Machine comes to a head.
The fat jokes wear thin and the romance between Fat Amy and Adam DeVine is pretty silly but the cast is so appealing that everything falls into place.
Forming the solid base on which everything else connects is the compelling group of characters.
There’s Anna Kendrick as Beca, who spearheads a side plot in which she pursues her aspirations to become a music producer; Brittany Snow as the switched-on Chloe, Hana Mae Lee as whisper quiet Lill who does fish-mouth impressions and Alexis Knapp as Stacy, who will do anything (or anyone) as required.
One of the film’s main plot strands involves Hailee Steinfeld as Emily, who writes her own music. Steinfeld is terrific and has great screen presence. All the plot points are stepping stones for the climactic finish in Copenhagen, when everything comes together with dynamic harmonies and funky rhythms. Funny, unexpected and entertaining, the film is a real feel-good package.