“Pitch Perfect 2”

Rated PG-13 for sexual material, language and drug references.

I never saw “Pitch Perfect” back in 2012 when it was in the theaters, so before I went to see PP2, I paid good money to watch it on pay-per-view. It was mildly amusing and entertaining at the very least, but its charm lingers in my head.

Both Pitch Perfects are about a group of college girls who participate in a cappella competitions. Acting as foils, there are other a cappella groups, particularly one male troupe. There is bitter rivalry there and therefore — with hormones-a-popping — sexual tension and off-screen carnal harmony.

Back in 2012, Pitch Perfect was a cut rate film cashing in on films like “Bridesmaids,” featuring strong female comedians, placing male comedians on the periphery. “Pitch Perfect” was a surprise hit. Hence, “Pitch Perfect 2.” And, I hear, there are plans for Pitch Perfect 3. There is a built-in target audience.

This is an odd film in that the subject (a cappella singing) is gently mocked as being too nerdish to be even close to being cool, yet bold enough to show us that these characters are just like everybody else: taking something way too seriously while the majority of the population ignores and/or dismisses it.

I should say the Rebel Wilson, the BBW from Down Under is central to the success of “Pitch Perfect.” While the woman of Barden Bellas. (Barden University is supposedly located in Atlanta but point-in-fact was actually filmed in Louisiana.) Ms. Wilson’s, sassy and proud character, Fat Amy, makes the rest of the cast struggle for the audience’s attention.

This is a film of low comedy and amazing a cappella singing, not a combination seen frequently on any stage or screen. So, originality, this film has without a doubt. It fails at delivering belly laughs, however. Both films drag a bit but at the end, when the Barden Bellas overcome and beat their nemeses, the impact forces a reconsideration of the ticket investment.

The fun here is that these characters really don’t care if you look down your nose on them and a cappella competitions; they value it and your opinion matters not one flat note. Therefore, one is compelled to act compelled. If a geek thinks you are a dink for not seeing the art, fun, and “heavy lifting” of a cappella competition singing, then maybe you are the joke and they are worthy of serious attention. On the other hand, “Pitch Perfect” never loses the humor of gently mocking but still respecting the culture of a cappella singing competition. In other words, “Pitch Perfect” and the sequel never gets serious; therefore, the “uncool” keep cool and and thereby the music is, well, cool.

There is no doubt that these comedians have skills in comedy and in singing. The true test of a great singing is the ability to carry a song without hiding behind musical instruments. And so, this movie is really about determination, “sisterhood” (or fraternity, if you wish), and remaining true to oneself even if others think you a loser, a nerd, or anything else derogatory simply because it is not mainstream or on a sports channel.

“Pitch Perfect” has more than a few inside gags. A bunch of genuine Green Bay Packers singing a cappella might be worth the price of admission — or perhaps trying to spot famous people in the final number in the competition — it has many little treats like that without so much of a wink.

“Pitch Perfect” and “Pitch Perfect 2,” for me, was like eating a bag of peanut M&Ms at one sitting, certainly indulgent, admittedly innutritious, but still a lot of fun.

“Pitch Perfect” earns three bow ties out of five.