Pitch Perfect 2

Set three years after the 2012 surprise-hit original, Pitch Perfect 2 finds stars Anna Kendrick, Rebel Wilson, and other Barden University Bellas returning for more a cappella harmony. But disaster strikes when Fat Amy's (Wilson) spandex outfit splits (revealing that she's gone commando) during a live TV performance at Washington, D.C.'s Kennedy Center in front of President and Mrs. Obama, which results in an embarrassing media scandal. As part of the suspension and punishment handed down by podcast pundits Gail (Elizabeth Banks, who also directs) and John (John Michael Higgins), the Bellas are barred from holding auditions, but they can recruit legacy members, including an eager freshman (Hailee Steinfeld) whose mother (Katey Sagal) was a Bella. So under the leadership of Beca (Kendrick) and Chloe (Brittany Snow), the Bellas seek redemption at the world competition in Copenhagen, Denmark, where they are awed by the reigning champions, the arrogant Teutonic titans Das Sound Machine, led by the icy Kommissar (Birgitte Hjort Sørensen) and Pieter (Flula Borg). Several sing-offs ensue, including one in the mansion of a caftan-clad music enthusiast (David Cross). Loosely inspired by Mickey Rapkin's 2008 nonfiction book, Pitch Perfect 2 is a zany and fast-paced but also superficial film that is full of stereotypes, mean-spirited jests, and celebrity cameos. A strong optional purchase. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include audio commentary (by director Elizabeth Banks and producers Paul Brooks and Max Handelman), deleted, extended, and alternate scenes (12 min.), “The Bellas Are Back” featurette (6 min.), extended musical performances (4 min.), a gag reel (3 min.), and trailers. Exclusive to the Blu-ray release are production featurettes on “The World Championships of A Cappella” (10 min.), “The Making of the Riff-Off” (6 min.), “An Aca-Love Story: Bumper and Fat Amy” (6 min.), “Legacy: Hailee Steinfeld” (6 min.), “Elizabeth Banks' Directorial Debut” (5 min.), “Aca-Camp” (5 min.), “Line-Aca-Rama” (3 min.), “Residual Heat Internship” (3 min.), “Snoop Dogg Is in the House” (3 min.), and “Das Sound Machine Finale Breakdown” (2 min.), as well as the brief “Green Bay Rap,” and bonus DVD, digital, and UltraViolet copies of the film. Bottom line: a fine extras package for a lesser but still entertaining sequel.] (S. Granger)