Despite concerns for my own credibility, I find that I must let it be known that I was a huge fan of the first Pitch Perfect movie. The rise of the Barden Bellas, in particular the quietly alternative Beca (Anna Kendrick) and the truly rebellious Fat Amy (Rebel Wilson) tickled me to no end and had me cheering their raucous seizing of the acapella group crown. So I will be front and center for Pitch Perfect 2, directed by Elizabeth Banks, a supporting player the first time around who stepped up to bring even more of the funny and the camaraderie that made the first outing such a surprising sleeper hit. (Opens wide Friday, May 15) (PG-13) Not screened in time for review
This article appears in May 13-19, 2015.