Pitch Perfect 2: The song 'isn't the same the second time around'

The Barden Bellas are back to "pitch slap" the world in Pitch Perfect 2, or so says the trailer for the song battle sequel.

The 2012 original, about a group of rag tag singers scrapping it out in the fierce world of competitive A Cappella, achieved cult comedy status.

This time, the Bellas, including Anna Kendrick, Rebel Wilson and Brittany Snow are fighting their way back to official competitive status after a wardrobe malfunction renders them suspended from the circuit.

To do it, they have to beat German singing group Das Sound Machine.

But like sophomore albums, fans who loved the original might be walking in with inflated expectations.

"Like the first film, there are moments that gave me chills," said CBC film critic Eli Glasner, "[But] sometimes, it's impossible to capture the magic of that first time."

Instead of the sparkling synergy of the ensemble cast, the chemistry feels "flatter" and "the camaraderie a little forced," Glasner says.

Pitch Perfect 2 hits Canadian cinemas Friday.

Watch Eli's full review in the video above.