Movie Review For May 15, 2015: PITCH PERFECT 2, MAD MAX: FURY ROAD

PITCH PERFECT 2
Rated: PG-13
Stars: Anna Kendrick, Rebel Wilson
Plot: After an unfortunate event, the Bellas must win the A Capella World Championships in order to keep their group going
Trailer

Clint Says: Wait until after opening weekend, but see this in theaters

After the original PITCH PERFECT became the cult classic that it is, we all knew it was simply a matter of time before a sequel would appear. The big question was would it be as good or even better than the first one. The answer? Aca-Yes!...and no.

PITCH PERFECT 2 is essentially the same movie as the first one except the jokes are bigger. The plot is much smaller. It's exciting, fun, funny and a joy to watch, but only if you go into it with the attitude that this movie is nothing more than fluff and harmony. If you are looking for substance, deep plot, or characters with a character arc you should skip this flick. If you are looking for a film that will make you smile from ear to ear, sing along, and make you laugh, you will absolutely love this movie.

All of the characters from the first film are back again, so fear ye not oh fans of Bumper. You will be pleased. In fact, Bumper and Fat Amy share the funniest scene in the film. Although Gail and John give them a run for their money in the funny department.

This is a movie that you could easily wait to see on DVD, but it's worth it to see it in theaters with a bunch of other serious fans of the franchise. So grab your aca-friends and your pitch pipe and have a great night at the movies.

NOTE: Make sure you stay through the end credits.

You can see my Drive Through Movie Review of this film here.





MAD MAX: FURY ROAD
Rated: R
Stars: Charlize Theron, Tom Hardy, Nicholas Hoult
Plot: A wasteland driver smuggles slave girls out of their horrific situation with the help of Max
Trailer

Clint Says: Wait until after opening weekend, but see this in theaters

As the end credits rolled in the theater where I saw this film, I sat in my chair completely astounded by what I had just witnessed. Even as I write this, I'm not sure if I loved this movie or hated it. Although I'm pretty sure I loved it.

This film jumps right into the action and never lets up. It's a high-octane face punch that keeps coming at you. There is one scene about halfway through the film that finally gives the audience a break. I could hear the audience give an almost collective sigh of relief.

Interestingly, this film is part of the MAD MAX franchise and it is set in that world, but the story is actually led by Charlize Theron's character. While Max does help out, she is the driving force behind everything that happens as well as the person that most often gets them out of their seemingly hopeless predicaments.

This movie is loud, intense, gross, weird, disturbing and hilarious in its over-the-top presence. You may love it or you may hate it, but either way it's a flick that should be experienced on the big screen.