The soundtrack also debuted at number two on the UK Soundtrack Albums Chart, and peaked at number one the next week. The soundtrack debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, earning 107,000 album-equivalent units (92,000 copies of traditional sales) during its first week. The second single, "Crazy Youngsters", performed by cast member Ester Dean, was released on May 10, 2015, with its music video to further promote the film's release. It debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 chart on, at number 68. " Flashlight" by Jessie J was made available on April 23, 2015, as the lead single of the soundtrack album. The special edition was later released on August 8, 2015. The album was preceded by Flashlight as the lead single, which was initially offered with the album's pre-order, but was made available eventually on April 23, 2015. Mark Mothersbaugh was hired to compose the music for the film on December 3, 2014. In the “Pitch Perfect” world, that’s what a cappella competitions are all about.Pitch Perfect 2: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack is the soundtrack album to the 2015 musical comedy film Pitch Perfect 2. That’s a real challenge for anyone after college, but fans of the Bellas know they have their friendship to fall back on. Where the previous films painted the Bellas as scrappy underdogs, here they’re kind of sad sacks who can’t cope with adult life. There are also a couple of romantic subplots that don’t really pay off, although the meet-cute between mostly mute Lilly (Hana Mae Lee) and a silent DJ (D.J. The story goes over the top with John Lithgow, who shows up with an extreme Australian accent as Fat Amy’s estranged dad. The snarky duo has always openly doubted if not downright hated the Bellas, but now they’re apparently making a documentary about the group, which is weird. Mysteriously in tow on the USO tour are a cappella commentators Gail and John (Elizabeth Banks and John Michael Higgins), who presided over past “Pitch Perfect” competitions. The “Toxic” routine that opens the film is outstanding. There are the requisite riff-offs and playful pop covers. Thankfully, music remains a highlight here. The group’s main rival is the awesomely named Evermoist, an all-female band fronted by actress Ruby Rose, who could have used a bigger role. The Bellas are woefully outmatched by their competitors, who all play instruments as well as sing. It’s an overwrought setup that the screenplay by Kay Cannon and Mike White tries to justify with self-aware quips like, “That was a lot of exposition.” The tour also ends up being a competition, of course, overseen by DJ Khaled, who cameos as himself. One member, whose father is in the military, suggests they join a USO tour to entertain the troops. But as the women struggle to find footing as adults in the workforce, they long for simpler times of singing together. The Bellas graduated from college in “Pitch Perfect 2,” so there are no more a cappella competitions for them. It’s high-stakes hilarity, and Wilson is even more capable and committed in executing the film’s fight choreography than she is during the dance numbers. Performing physical comedy with the ease of Lucille Ball, the Australian actress literally throws herself into her scenes, including a dynamic fight sequence where she uses sausages as nunchucks. The performances dazzle (director Trish Sie is a veteran of music videos), Anna Kendrick has a gorgeous voice, and Rebel Wilson soars, her character Fat Amy no longer just the butt of every obvious joke about body size. Not to say “Pitch Perfect 3” is a total bust. The success of the first two movies means this final installment enjoyed a bigger budget, evidenced by glamorous European settings and the yacht explosion, but it’s all overkill for a story centered on the joy of music and the bonds of female friendship. Many of the funny lines feel forced and the whole film seems like it’s trying too hard. The cast may be delightful and the musical sequences shine, but after three go-rounds, the premise is played out. Because that’s what a cappella competitions are about! It hasn’t jumped the shark, exactly, but it does send its singing Bellas jumping off an exploding yacht. Sorry, Pitches, but it’s a good thing “Pitch Perfect 3” is billed as the farewell tour for this musical franchise.
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