Pitch Perfect 2

Pitch Perfect has never been a High School Musical-esque childish franchise, it's helmed by great writers and this sequel is directed by, and stars, one of modern comedy's best; Elizabeth Banks.

Following The Barden Bellas' antics from the first film onto the national stage of accapella I thought this would roll out tired sequel cliche and pale in comparison to the first but was pleasantly surprised when this turned out to be funnier, ruder and more heartfelt than before.

The songs are great (and satisfyingly non-commercial or cheesy, they even cover Muse at one stage) and the laughs are genuine; the aforementioned Banks and her commentator sidekick John Michael Higgins being the bringers of the most laughs.

There's really not too many flaws here, besides the odd bit of stereotyping which sometimes falls on the wrong side of the political correctness line, and a bit of obvious-ness to be expected in a film of this ilk.

Forget your inhibitions; this is great.

4 stars ****