Pitch Perfect 2

There was something irresistible about the first Pitch Perfect: An underdog story with interesting characters, great music, and a breakout hit. The sequel tries to accomplish the same thing, upping the stakes, adding a new character, and pitting the college a cappella singing group The Bellas against the world to retain not just their title but their very existence. At the outset, the Barden Bellas embarrass themselves in a performance for President Obama, and face dissolution unless they can win the international competition, something no American team has ever done.

ClearPlay In Action!

Pitch Perfect 2 is a wholesome movie surrounded by questionable material. ClearPlay helps the wholesomeness emerge by trimming references to body parts, risqué jokes, implications of intercourse, kissing that goes too far, and about 40 profanities. What’s left is a movie about friendship, and the power to tap into inner reserves. The ClearPlayed version is fine for most members of the family.

Does Pitch Perfect 2 hit all the right notes?...

It’s more like same song, second verse. The feeling of newness is gone, but the tune is still catchy. There’s little character development in this sequel, even with the new singer (Hailee Steinfeld). When Anna Kendrick, Brittany Snow, and Rebel Wilson are singing, the movie works. The stuff in between? You’re better off making your own kind of music.

Marty Nabhan, ClearPlay “You’re Gonna Miss Me When I’m Gone” Dept.

Rated PG-13 for innuendo and language; 115 Mins; Directed by Elizabeth Banks