Release Date: May 15th, 2015
Starring: Anna Kendrick, Rebel Wilson, Elizabeth Banks, Brittany Snow, Adam Devine, Skylar Astin, John Michael Higgins.
Director: Elizabeth Banks
Pre-Trailer Thoughts: I’ll admit, I enjoyed the original film a lot, more than I feel comfortable saying, but I feel that sequel is kind of unnecessary. However, once again, as with it’s predecessor, I could be proved wrong by the sheer entertainment value of Pitch Perfect 2. This better be Bella good. –LJF
Pre-Trailer Thoughts: The first one was fine. It had its enjoyable moments, but I wasn’t over the moon for it like everyone else seems to be. There is no denying its status as a cult phenomenon, which is why I think a sequel spells bad with a capital b. Anytime you try to capitalize on something that was a cult favorite and give it a big budget sequel, it won’t live up to first one and it’ll be more inclined to go for cheaper, broader, pandering laughs to hold the audience. –BB
Rate the Trailer: Two out of five. Let’s sing the cups song again, right? Because everyone loves that. No seriously, it’s catchy, and I’ve attempted using a cup in real life to match it, but it would be kind of nice to see some original stuff and not rely on all the old to drive the trailer. Seeing Fat Amy say “crushed it” doesn’t work for me, because nostalgic quotes for this film series isn’t a thing. Also, this movie seems pretty much the same as the first-a Capella groups competing against each other for a top prize. The only thing drawing me in is the curiosity to see what songs are sung and how they are “arranged” by each group. Really, that’s what made the first film a lot of fun, and I don’t mind the repetition in that matter. –LJF
Rate the Trailer: Two out of Five. So, we’re getting the same exact movie with one or two wrinkles, huh? The Bellas are the underdogs, there’s going to be internal strife, Elizabeth Banks and John Michael Higgins will ‘weird,’ Rebel Wilson will make jokes about being fat, there’s an ‘underground’ a cappella club….zzzzzzzz. We get it, same movie. Look close during the scene with Clay Matthews and you’ll see WWE’s Lana. –BB
Theater, Rent, No Thanks, Undecided? Rent. I know my girlfriend will want to see this, and while I don’t think she will push for the theater, I don’t know for sure. In that case, a rental would probably be a safe bet. I’m not entirely opposed to seeing this but I hope that the jokes extend past what has been done before and that the songs utilized within are fun and interesting in context. That alley battle in the original movie (the “riff-off”) is actually my favorite part of Pitch Perfect and if the sequel can mimic it in some way (without plagiarizing itself) I’ll be satisfied. Until then, I’m worried about this tune. –LJF
Theater, Rent, No Thanks, Undecided? Rent. This is something my significant other will want to see, but since it’s so much like the original, this isn’t driving us to the theater. This movie is going to make a buttload of money at the box office due to the fervor over the first film, but don’t be surprised if audiences end up leaving theaters feeling flat. Don’t worry Pitch Perfect, you’ll become the new Step Up – a franchise with tons of unnecessary, D-level sequels that’ll be January release fodder. –BB
Pitch Perfect 2 warms up May 15th, 2015
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