Just perfect
Our resident Kiss92 DJ/journo couldn't be happier that Pitch Perfect 2 is topping box office and music charts
COMMENTARY
When a silly film like Pitch Perfect 2 kills at the box office, it makes me feel good about humanity.
It opened at first place in the US last week with a total of US$70 million (S$94 million) - a record for a movie musical.
I don't think I'm the only one who was shocked that it beat Mad Max: Fury Road, which finished a distant second.
I love Fury Road but films of its ilk - action extravaganzas targeted at teens - have been dominating for far too long.
It's refreshing to see a sprightly little confection like Pitch Perfect 2, which is currently showing here, get so much popular support.
The fact that its soundtrack found equal success, debuting at the top spot on the Billboard 200 album chart last week, is just icing on the cake.
In this often dark and cruel world, isn't it heartening to know that we're still innocent enough to enjoy a flick about dorky chicks singing goofy mash-ups of dopey pop songs? I think it's sweet.
The sequel to the 2012 sleeper hit Pitch Perfect, it's the story of an all-girl college a cappella group, the Bellas, who are preparing to compete for a world title.
Of course, each of the gals also has her own more personal battle to fight.
Beca (Anna Kendrick) is interning at a music studio and wants to prove herself as a record producer.
Fat Amy (Rebel Wilson) is trying to figure out her relationship with her boyfriend Bumper (Adam DeVine).
Chloe (Brittany Snow) can't bring herself to leave the Bellas and get on with her life.
And there's Emily (Hailee Steinfeld), the new girl who desperately wants to fit in.
It's the most inconsequential sort of stuff imaginable but that's fine. Wading in a shallow pool is a wonderful luxury.
In fact, I pity those people for whom frivolousness is verboten (German for forbidden).
Imagine living in a place where you're not allowed to dance or sing. Or joke around. Or flirt with girls. Or drink booze.
Many such places exist but Hollywood isn't one of them.
The older I get, the more I see seriousness as a sort of sickness.
Watch too many serious movies, listen to too much serious music, read too many serious books, and your soul will sour.
Flicks like Pitch Perfect 2 might seem like a waste of time, but they're anything but.
Light comedy is essential for good mental health.
It's not junk food. I like to think of it as bananas.
Jason Johnson is going on leave. His column will resume on June 24.
Get The New Paper on your phone with the free TNP app. Download from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store now