Jul 08, 2015 05:58 PM
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Despite the ribald joke that sets the plot in motion, this musical sequel is even more sanitized and frictionless than the original. Because of a wardrobe malfunction at a high-profile performance(with the Obamas in attendance).
The Barden Bellas, America’s collegiate-champion a-cappella group, are banned from domestic competition—and must, instead, win a world title in order to be spared dissolution. Meanwhile, with graduation looming, the members of the group have life choices to make: Beca(Anna Kendrick), the most musically talented, secretly takes an internship at a recording studio; Chloe(Brittany Snow).
The leader of the pack, delays facing life after college; Fat Amy(Rebel Wilson) can’t admit that she’s in love. The group’s chemistry is altered by the arrival of an over-eager freshman(Hailee Steinfeld) just as they're preparing to face the existential threat of a swaggering German troupe. Meanwhile, the bickering commentators, John(John Michael Higgins) and Gail(Elizabeth Banks, who also directed), offer wan comic diversion. In her feature directorial début, Banks doesn't reveal much personality, though her affection for the performers is evident; they're a joy to watch, but they have little to do. Ethnic clichés abound, college comes off as a free sleepaway camp, and the simple wonders of unaccompanied singing are inflated to Las Vegas-style bombast.
