Pitch Perfect 2

Moving from Actor/Producer/Shorts Director to long-form Directing, Elizabeth Banks approaches the ranks of the great Nancy Meyers (The Holiday, The Parent Trap) with Pitch Perfect 2.

It’s no news that comedy is more difficult than drama, especially when it comes to directing.  In Pitch Perfect 2, Elizabeth Banks uses her acting skills in front of, as well as behind the camera by pulling excellent performances from her cast, including the increasingly beautiful Anna Kendrick, the talented Hailee Steinfeld, the funny Rebel Wilson and Birgitte Hjort Sørensen.  At the same time, she, herself, is in top comedienne form, partnering, again, with the wry John Michael Higgins.

I don’t want to put Ms. Banks on too high a pedestal, yet.  There are a few bits that just lose gas and should have been cut, but she more than makes up for them with scenes that are funny, charming and touching.

Of course, the writing team of Kay Cannon and Mickey Rapkin are responsible for providing the excellent blueprint from which Banks and company were able to work.

It’s no wonder that Pitch Perfect 2 dominated the box office results this weekend.

 

If you want to have a really good time and walk out to the theater with a big smile, go see Pitch Perfect 2.  I give it a 4 out of 5.

And, I look forward to seeing the next project directed by Elizabeth Banks.