Dan and I were both completely surprised by how much we enjoyed the first Pitch Perfect and we were really excited for the sequel. Often, sequels are such a let down, but Pitch Perfect 2 killed at the box office during its opening weekend and many of the early reviews were glowing, so we went in with high expectations.

PLOT- It's senior year for many of the Barden Bellas and after becoming the first female collegiate acapella group to win a national title, they are invited to perform at the Kennedy Center with President Obama in the audience. During the performance, Fat Amy (Rebel Wilson) has a wardrobe malfunction that disgraces the Bellas. Their only opportunity to redeem themselves is to win an international competition in Copenhagen. This is a title that no American team has ever won. The Bellas face stiff competition from a very intense and intimidating German team, however, their greatest opponent might be their inability to gel as a team.

LIKE- The plot is outlandish and often completely silly, but I had a smile on my face the entire time. The jokes that worked far exceeded those that fell flat and my tummy ached from laughing. This is a feel good film.

I really liked the addition of Hailee Steinfeld, as Emily, a sweet and excitable new member of the Bellas. Emily brings new life into this jaded group of college seniors, reminding them why they loved being a Bella in the first place. It was nice to see Katey Sagal in the minor role of Emily's mother, who also happens to be a former Bella herself.

The German group stole every scene that they were in. I loved the snarky podcast commentators, John (John Michael Higgins) and Gail (Elizabeth Banks). Although Higgins was clearly channeling Fred Willard in Best in Show, I didn't mind, because he was hilarious. Banks pulled double duty by also directing the Pitch Perfect 2. Adam Devine reprises his role as Bumper and although he doesn't get many laughs during the film, he has a very funny bit in the credits that you shouldn't miss. 

DISLIKE- A few of the jokes fall flat, especially those with Lilly (Hana Mae Lee), the girl that whispers. There was too much time dedicated to Beca's (Anna Kendrick) new internship at a music studio and in particular, her the trouble her boss has with another intern. Although funny, the scene with David Cross as an eccentric millionaire/acapella groupie was very bizarre and didn't make sense. 

RECOMMEND- Yes, especially if you're a fan of the first film. Although, you can easily watch Pitch Perfect 2, without having seen the first one. It's not hard to follow. We walked out of the theatre feeling happy and energized. Pitch Perfect 2 had a very positive reaction from the audience in our packed theatre.