Pitch Perfect 2

Pitch Perfect 2 is a 2015 American musical comedy film directed by Elizabeth Banks and written by Kay Cannon. The film stars Anna Kendrick as Beca Mitchell, Rebel Wilson as Fat Amy, and Hailee Steinfeld as Emily Junk, and follows the story of the Barden Bellas as they compete in the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella. The film features a talented ensemble cast, including Skylar Astin as Jesse Swanson, Adam DeVine as Bumper Allen, and Anna Camp as Aubrey Posen, and was produced by Universal Pictures, Gold Circle Films, and Brownstone Productions.

Plot

The plot of the film follows the Barden Bellas as they compete in the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella, facing off against tough competition from teams like Das Sound Machine, led by Flula Borg and Birgitte Hjort Sørensen. Along the way, the team must navigate their personal relationships, including Beca's romance with Jesse Swanson and Fat Amy's feelings for Bumper Allen. The team is also joined by new member Emily Junk, who brings a fresh perspective and talent to the group, and is mentored by Gail Abernathy-McKadden, played by Elizabeth Banks, and John Smith, played by John Michael Higgins. The film features a range of musical performances, including covers of songs by The Bangles, Mark Ronson, and Bruno Mars, and was filmed on location at Louisiana State University and Tulane University.

Production

The production of the film was led by director Elizabeth Banks and producer Paul Brooks, who worked with a team of experienced filmmakers, including cinematographer Jim Denault and editor Craig Alpert. The film was shot on location in Louisiana and California, and featured a range of musical performances, including a cappella arrangements by Deke Sharon and Ed Boyer. The film's script was written by Kay Cannon, who drew inspiration from her own experiences as a member of an a cappella group at Carleton College, and was developed in consultation with Universal Pictures and Gold Circle Films. The film's production team also included Max Handelman, Scott Niemeyer, and David Nicksay, who worked together to bring the film to life.

Cast

The cast of the film includes Anna Kendrick as Beca Mitchell, Rebel Wilson as Fat Amy, and Hailee Steinfeld as Emily Junk, as well as Skylar Astin as Jesse Swanson, Adam DeVine as Bumper Allen, and Anna Camp as Aubrey Posen. The film also features a range of talented supporting actors, including Katey Sagal as Katherine Junk, Keegan-Michael Key as Dax, and Shelley Regner as Ashley, and was joined by special guest stars, including Snoop Dogg, Robin Roberts, and Kether Donohue. The cast's performances were praised by critics, including Rolling Stone's Peter Travers and The New York Times' A.O. Scott, who noted the film's strong ensemble chemistry and musical talent.

Music

The music in the film features a range of a cappella arrangements, including covers of songs by The Bangles, Mark Ronson, and Bruno Mars, as well as original compositions by Deke Sharon and Ed Boyer. The film's soundtrack was released by Universal Music Group and features performances by the cast, including Anna Kendrick, Rebel Wilson, and Hailee Steinfeld, as well as special guest stars, including Jessie J and David Guetta. The film's musical numbers were choreographed by Aakomon Jones and Jasmine Guy, and were filmed on location at Louisiana State University and Tulane University, with additional filming at The Hollywood Bowl and The Greek Theatre.

Release

The film was released by Universal Pictures on May 15, 2015, and was a commercial success, grossing over $287 million worldwide, including $184 million in the United States and $103 million in other countries, including Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom. The film was released in a range of formats, including IMAX and Dolby Cinema, and was accompanied by a range of promotional materials, including trailers, posters, and social media campaigns, which were developed in partnership with Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. The film's release was also supported by a range of promotional partners, including Coca-Cola, Procter & Gamble, and Microsoft, and was screened at a range of film festivals, including the Tribeca Film Festival and the Los Angeles Film Festival.

Reception

The film received generally positive reviews from critics, including Rolling Stone's Peter Travers and The New York Times' A.O. Scott, who praised the film's musical performances, humor, and ensemble chemistry, and noted the film's strong female leads, including Anna Kendrick and Rebel Wilson. The film holds a 68% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 222 reviews, with an average rating of 6.1/10, and a 63% approval rating on Metacritic, based on 42 reviews, with an average score of 59 out of 100, indicating "generally favorable reviews", according to critics from The Hollywood Reporter, Variety, and Entertainment Weekly. The film was also a commercial success, grossing over $287 million worldwide, and was nominated for a range of awards, including a Teen Choice Award and a People's Choice Award, and was recognized by the American Film Institute and the Producers Guild of America. Category:2015 films