Common Sense Media Review
By S. Jhoanna Robledo
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Fun but uneven sequel doesn't hit original's high notes.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Pitch Perfect 2
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 16 parent reviews
Based on 87 kid reviews
Kids say that while this sequel may not reach the heights of the original, it offers fun and humor that resonates with older teens and adults, featuring strong female characters and maintaining an entertaining storyline despite its share of more mature content. Parents are advised to consider their children's maturity level due to the film's language, sexual references, and the need to understand both comedic and serious implications present throughout the movie.
- humor and entertainment
- mature content
- strong characters
- parental discretion recommended
- good message
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Beca (Anna Kendrick) and most of the rest of the Barden Bellas are about to graduate from college In PITCH PERFECT 2. It's a fraught time, made even more challenging by the fact that the Bellas have been suspended from the a capella circuit after an unfortunate mishap that left Fat Amy (Rebel Wilson) showing an audience body parts that are best left covered up. The Bellas' only hope to regain their good name is to beat a formidable German team in an international competition. But Beca is preoccupied with impressing her boss at a new internship, hoping it will be her big break in the music industry.
Is It Any Good?
It has to be said: The music is great, but this sequel isn't aca-awesome. Nor is it aca-mazing, aca-licious, or any of the other words that describe the original, which was an inspired case of geeky genius. Pitch Perfect 2 tries to capture the same glory by relying on old reliables -- like the cast, for starters, most of whom are back. But the magic's not there, simply because we've seen much of this before. The plot is skeletal, the forces that move the story forward are rudimentary (and, it must be said, stereotypical -- are we really still making jokes about fearsome, robotic-seeming Germans?). And enough with the fat jokes that are meant to seem empowered simply because the self-named Fat Amy is making them.
Where Pitch Perfect 2 does come alive is in the singing, which makes perfect sense, given that the film is, after all, about the joys of sisterhood, group harmony, and unbridled a capella love. See it for the music, but prepare to ignore some disappointments.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how a capella unites -- and divides -- Pitch Perfect 2's characters. What's the role of music in their lives and friendships? Do you think they'd be friends without the group? Have you ever been involved in an activity that was this important to you and your friends?
Fat Amy calls herself "fat" as a way to get ahead of any possible bullying and because she's proud of herself just the way she is. What do you think of this approach? (Also, talk to your kids about bullying and how to handle it if it happens.)
Graduation looms large for these characters. Why is this such a troubling, intense moment for these characters?
How do the Pitch Perfect movies present female friendship? Do you think they're realistic? Can you think of other movies and TV shows that cover similar ground?
How do the characters demonstrate the importance of teamwork? Why is that an important character strength?
Movie Details
- In theaters : May 15, 2015
- On DVD or streaming : September 22, 2015
- Cast : Anna Kendrick , Rebel Wilson , Hailee Steinfeld
- Director : Elizabeth Banks
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Asian Movie Actor(s) , Multiracial Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Universal Pictures
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Arts ( Music and Sing-Along )
- Character Strengths : Teamwork
- Run time : 115 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : innuendo and language
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate