Pitch Perfect 2: Moving Beyond “Cups”

Jane Newberry, Writer

Every since Universal announced that they would be producing a sequel to the smash hit, Pitch Perfect, fangirls and boys around the world have been awaiting the second movie, Pitch Perfect 2. Many people went and saw the movie this past weekend and raked in more than $70 million. The pitch is back, with more hilarious Fat Amy moments, Snoop Lion (formerly Snoop Dog) and more.

First things first, the music. Some were worried that the second movie may be just be an attempt to make some more money off of the instant hit. But the movie proved many wrong (including myself), there were many more catchy tunes. The Bellas added something a little different to the song mix, an original song, “Flashlight.” This song is the song is Emily’s (Hailee Steinfeld) “Cups” and a major part of the Bellas’ final performance. There is even a touching scene that brings back the ever famous “Cups,” the scene is nostalgic and doesn’t seem as if the writers are trying to bring back the song.

Next item on the agenda, relationships. The movie also has an additional plot line, another relationship. Fat Amy (Rebel Wilson) and Bumper (Adam DeVine) have an interesting relationship, and Bumper wants more. Sadly Bumper gets turned down, but Fat Amy has a change of heart, that of course leads to more laughs. The adorable relationship of Becca (Anna Kendrick) and Jesse (Skylar Austin) isn’t shown except for a few kisses, and Jesse plays the role of supportive boyfriend for Becca. The next relationship is the one of the new Bella, Emily and Benji played by Ben Platt. Their relationship is cute, and Benji is very supportive of Emily.

Of course, Pitch Perfect can’t be Pitch Perfect with out a riff-off. The riff-off is hosted by David Cross, and he gave me the impression of being a drug-filled, a capella crazed man. Here we meet the Green Bay Packers, and although they have a short time on screen, they are very memorable. They add a bit of random hilarity to the competition.

Finally, the movie can’t have a plot without some heavy competition, which in this movie takes form in the a capella group, Das Sound Machines. This German singing group has very intense performances and are highly competitive. Every interaction between the Bellas and Das Sound Machines is full of insults, Becca doesn’t know how to respond to them and is usually left looking like a fish out of water.

Overall, Pitch Perfect 2 is hilarious and lives up to all the talk. Thankfully, this movie isn’t just another sequel that ruins the series. If you haven’t already seen the movie, I would highly recommend it.