Pitch Perfect 2

When "Pitch Perfect" was released in 2012, I decided not to view it, because my assumption was that it would not be worth the sit. This is why I waited to see "Pitch Perfect 2"--I figured it wouldn't be that good, because this is one of those times I wish I was wrong. Suffice it to say, this should have been a film to miss as well.

The Bellas are back, and they are better than ever. After being humiliated in front of none other than the President of the United States of America, the Bellas are taken out of the Aca-Circuit by event commentators, John (John Michael Higgins) and Gail (Elizabeth Banks). In order to clear their name and regain their status, the Bellas including Beca (Anna Kendrick), Fat Amy (Rebel Wilson), Chloe (Brittany Snow), newcomer Emily (Hailee Steinfeld) and others, take on a seemingly impossible task: winning an International competition no American team has ever won. In order to accomplish this monumental task, they need to strengthen the bonds of friendship and sisterhood, and blow away the competition, specifically Kommissar (Birgitte Hjort Sorensen) and Pieter Kramer (Flula Borg), with their amazing aca-magic. With all new friends and old rivals tagging along for the trip, the Bellas can hopefully accomplish their dreams once again.

Others to round out the cast are Skylar Astin as Jesse, Adam DeVine as Bumper, Katey Sagal as Katherine, Anna Camp as Aubrey, Ben Platt as Benji, Keegan Michael Key as Beca's boss, Shawn Carter Peterson as Dax, David Cross as Riff-Off Host, Alexis Knapp as Stacie, Hana Mae Lee as Lilly, Ester Dean as Cynthia Rose, Chrissie Fit as Flo and Snoop Dogg as Himself.

This was directed by Elizabeth Banks ("Movie 43" (segment "Middleschool Date") plus a couple of shorts and a ton of acting. Where do a lot of actors get the idea that since they are actors, then they can direct? As Banks is an accomplished actor, the staging and pacing in this was stiff and jerky. And seeing as there were a ton of musical numbers, staging and pacing is vital. Now for the real culprit: the writing. This was written by Kay Cannon ("Pitch Perfect" '12 plus TV, based on the book by Mickey Rapkin. Watching this was tough, because it looks like there were some lines to fill in between where the musical numbers were played out. First of all, these different Cappella groups were supposed to sing in an acapella style, hence them being called Cappella groups, however every time they sang, there was clearly instruments or synthesizers involved. Secondly, the subplot with Beca's boss was difficult to keep track of how that was connecting with the main plot. It was convoluded and disjointed.The numbers and even the singing was well executed, but this alone does not a movie make. Dialogue wise, the scenes between commentators John and Gail were humorous most of the time, and I was begging to see more of them. But don't worry, for those of you that liked this, "Pitch Perfect 3" has already been announced. Unbelievable! Hey, this shouldn't be surprising--how many "Friday the 13th" flicks were rolled out before they buried that franchise?

If you like good dancing and singing this does soar, however if you're looking for any sustaining script or plot, this plot is as old as dirt and the script will not wow you. Trust me on this one, I should have stayed home.

Out of 4 Stars: 1                                   Rated: PG-13                                  115mins.