Poltergeist

By Joseph McAleer, Catholic News Service

NEW YORK (CNS) – Hollywood’s preoccupation with remakes continues with “Poltergeist” (Fox), a reimagining of the 1982 horror film that gave new meaning to the term “haunted house.”

This time, a trio of producers (Sam Raimi, Rob Tapert and Roy Lee) takes over from Steven Spielberg. Along with a new director, Gil Kenan (“Monster House”), they offer a 3-D take on the “ordinary” family suddenly caught in an otherworldly trap.

The result is a sometimes scary but mostly silly tale of suburbia under siege, suitable for mature viewers only.

The Bowen family is the picture of dysfunction. Dad Eric (Sam Rockwell) has lost his job. Mom Amy (Rosemarie DeWitt) is distracted and unfulfilled.

Then there are the kids. Kendra (Saxon Sharbino) is an obnoxious teen. Sensitive Griffin (Kyle Catlett) is afraid of the dark. And 6-year-old Madison (Kennedi Clements), cute as a button, talks incessantly to her imaginary friends.

The family, forced to downsize, moves into a new home on the edge of town. Problem is, the neighbourhood was built atop an old cemetery.

Seems the real estate agent neglected to mention that fact.

Before long, things go bump in the night. “Poltergeist” largely follows the plot of the original film, with Madison talking to the television set, announcing, “They’re here.”

“They” are the spirits of the film’s title. Think really, really angry ghosts who make a really big mess and soon invite Madison to join them inside the closet.

Riding to the rescue is Carrigan Burke (Jared Harris), a goofy paranormal expert turned TV personality. Along with his ex-wife, Dr. Claire Powell (Jane Adams), a hand drill, and a whole lotta rope, Burke steps into the breach before it’s too late.

Needless to say, as the mayhem mounts, the house’s resale value plummets.

The film contains scenes of supernatural horror and child peril, and fleeting crude and profane language. The Catholic News Service classification is A-III – adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG-13 – parents strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

Pitch Perfect 2

By Joseph McAleer, Catholic News Service

NEW YORK (CNS) – The Bellas are back and singing their hearts out in “Pitch Perfect 2” (Universal), the ongoing trials and tribulations of a college a capella group.

Elizabeth Banks, who reprises her role of snarky pageant official Gail, serves as director and co-producer of this sequel, which essentially follows the same template as the 2012 original. That means spirited  musical numbers in the name of sisterhood (and landing a boyfriend), but also, regrettably, bawdy language, off-colour humor, and sexual innuendo.

We return to the fictional Barden University, where members of the Bellas are now seniors and ready to graduate. Having won the national a cappella title, they are invited to perform in Washington, before President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama (shown in a cameo).

The appearance takes a disastrous (and tasteless) turn when Fat Amy (Rebel Wilson) – her preferred name to pre-empt insult – has a wardrobe malfunction and exposes herself to the audience. A scandal erupts, and the Bellas are banned from future competition.

Much soul-searching ensues among the group’s leaders, Beca (Anna Kendrick) and Chloe (Brittany Snow). They discover that the road to redemption lies overseas with the world championships, which no American team has ever won.

The competition is dominated by a German supergroup called Das Sound Machine. They are the antithesis of the fresh-faced Bellas, menacing and clad in black leather. Their lead singer is a dominatrix aptly named Kommissar (Birgitte Hjort Sorensen).

With countless references to World War II, the battle is on between the USA and Germany.

Along the way to the showdown in Denmark, the Bellas hone their craft and regain their harmony in sing-offs against male counterparts including a tuneful bunch of real-life Green Bay Packers (don’t ask). They are also inspired by a new recruit, Emily (Hailee Steinfeld), daughter of a former Bella who writes her own songs.

“Pitch Perfect 2” works best when showcasing the catchy songs and not the dialogue, which is shockingly tone deaf. The attempts at humor by belittling women, foreigners and even religion is out of tune with what should be a wholesome anthem for self-improvement and achievement.

The film contains implied nonmarital relationships, adult themes and innuendo, occasional crude language, and an obscene gesture. The Catholic News Service classification is A-III – adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG-13 – parents strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.