Name: Pitch Perfect: Bumper in Berlin
Genre: Comedy
Released: 2022-11-23T00:00:00+00:00
Cast: Adam Devine, Sarah Hyland, Flula Borg, Lera Abova, Jameela Jamil

The opening scene of Pitch Perfect: Bumper in Berlin is a mess of neon lights and off-key notes, as Adam DeVine’s Bumper Allen stumbles through a Berlin nightclub, desperately trying to revive his music career. It’s a fitting introduction to this spin-off series, which trades the high-school charm of the original films for a chaotic, often exhausting, European adventure.

What it is: Several years after the events of Pitch Perfect, Bumper Allen moves to Germany, hoping to capitalize on one of his songs becoming a hit in Berlin. With the help of an eccentric entourage—including Flula Borg’s Pieter Krämer and Jameela Jamil’s Gisela—the series follows Bumper as he attempts to perform a hit single at the famous German Unity Day.

The series has its moments. The soundtrack, arranged by a cappella experts Deke Sharon and Ed Boyer, delivers enough catchy tunes to satisfy fans of the original films. Adam DeVine’s performance is arguably his best yet, bringing Bumper Allen to life with a mix of humor and pathos that makes him oddly endearing. Flula Borg steals scenes as Pieter Krämer, offering sharp comedic timing and a refreshing dose of German satire.

The Berlin setting is a highlight, filled with charming references and quirky cultural nuances that add depth to the story. The series also benefits from its ensemble cast, including Sarah Hyland’s Heidi and Lera Abova’s DJ Das Boot, who bring unique perspectives and talents to the table.

However, Pitch Perfect: Bumper in Berlin struggles to find its footing. The premise feels thin at times, relying too heavily on the franchise’s established charm rather than forging its own identity. The series’ attempt to balance comedy with musical ambition often results in a disjointed narrative that stumbles from one set piece to the next without a clear sense of direction.

The show’s pacing is another issue, with episodes feeling rushed and underdeveloped. Scenes that could have been rich character studies are reduced to brief, superficial encounters. The series also suffers from a lack of originality, often retreading familiar ground from the original films rather than exploring new territory.

Despite its flaws, Pitch Perfect: Bumper in Berlin has moments of genuine charm and humor. It’s a slight but unexpectedly amusing spin-off that offers enough cute little songs and comedic asides to keep fans engaged.