I’ll be the first to admit, I really came around on the first “Pitch Perfect” movie. I initially scored it a 4/6, but in the time since the film was released, it has easily climbed to a 5/6 in my books and it may or may not have seen repeated use when it was saved on my DVR.

Naturally, another “Pitch Perfect” was very welcome, not only to me but to the multitude of fans the world over (hence “Pitch Perfect 2” steam rolling “Fury Road at the box office). I will stop short of calling the “Pitch Perfect” the “Breakfast Club” of this generation; as so many have, but nevertheless, it’s impact has been sizable.

Comparatively, “Pitch Perfect 2” is a less-inspired sophomoric outing after a combination slow burn/smash-hit debut. This film was made to please and as a result felt less authentic than the original. Nevertheless, I laughed, I enjoyed some fantastic singing and I got to watch the ever-lovely Anna Kendrick awkwardly prance about while singing better than a fair percentage of thoroughbred musicians. This sequel makes small, but critical, errors in trying to give fans everything they want, even if it wasn’t always in the best interest of the film.

“Pitch Perfect 2” is a fine film and will no doubt entertain its many patrons. If it had been kept in the oven just a little longer, it might have come out a little higher on the scale. For this particular film, and this burgeoning franchise, I’m not sure that more well-done is actually necessary – which I understand is a little hypocritical coming from me. It’s a funny world we live in.

4 of 6 stars