Dando la nota: Bumper en Berlín

If you are familiar with the Pitch Perfect movies, you might know that those movies are about music and specifically acapella music, so moving forward with each film they got messier (the 3rd one was not as beloved as the first two). Now we don't have a fourth film but a spin-off about one of member of the the rival groups of our protagonists known as 'Bumper' who was a self-absorbed goofball in the movies trying his luck to be famous in Germany as one of his songs have gone viral through Tik-tok. So with the premise set, this show is entirely set in Berlin, Germany and the production values are splendid, I had a fear before watching this that this was just gonna be a cheap cash-grab like most uninspired Netflix stuff as these streaming companies just push out content just for the sake of relevancy in this fast paced short attention spanned world. But I was really wrong as it seems to be put forth some kind of thought and effort put into this show as far as mini-series for a secondary character of a known franchise goes. Adam Devine is great as Bumper, as his performance is layered as this idiotic guy just chasing after a dead dream, he is charismatic and comes across really likable even though people like these are just annoying irl. The other team mates including 'Haley Dunphy' actress Sarah Hyland, previous recurring cast member Flula Borg as Pieter Kramer and his sister Thea Kramer as DJ Das Boot were all equally charming and likable, the camaraderie between the group was very sweet and it felt like people growing and adjusting to work with each other and that alone makes it a good binge, honestly it's like a movie cut into episodes which keeps it fresh as the breaks make it more interesting. Also the camera work and color grading made it go easy on the eyes as most stuff is now supposed to be dark, grim and 'realistic' and this is a simple, sweet and light hearted show. If you get what I say and want something easy to watch and are a fan of the movies, then I'd say give it a watch and you'll at least have a smile on your face by the end of it.

It's not award worthy in terms of script, emotional depth, or, weirdly, musical content, but the series has a whole lot going for it in Sarah Hyland whose performance as the adorable Heidi is an absolute revelation. Add in the completely over the top vamping and the ultimate in sexy German accents from Jameel Jamil as Gisela, and a glorious cameo from veteran German actress Katharina Thalbach, and there's plenty to like about this "whatever happened to" series. It's just that as a Pitch Perfect fan I would have liked a whole lot more music, especially the a capella for which the films were noted.

This show is just so stupid in just the best way. Flula Borg is a revelation and every time he's on screen I just smile. It's camp and earnest in a way that just makes you want to love everything they're doing. This isn't a serious artistic masterpiece in any way, nor was it intended to be. I watch it when I just need a smile and not to think of the dumpster fire of violence and climate disaster happening around the world. I love all the Berlin references and satire. Enough cute little songs to satisfy me. The best is just the little asides like the bit around "Cups". Adam is just amazing, and if you don't care for him, you probably won't like this - it's his vehicle all the way, with Flula as the Robin to his Batman, and the other main actors are just as great. So many of them playing "off type" so that's fun also.

Crazy how this came out almost 2 years ago, it's better than Pitch Perfect 3 and I love how Elizabeth Banks got the idea for the series because of Loki having his own series which reminds me I didn't see season 2 yet for some reason. Adam Devine and Flula Borg is magnificent I remember when Flula was YouTube comedian before becoming an actor which was awesome content! This series might've been under-appreciated but it's a great one for what it is. Nice glow about it surprised only 2 members from the movies are part of this, the Bella's really moved on. I'm glad I got around to this series it's delightful!

Cons: It's on Peacock. Who the heck has Peacock?

Pros: This is probably the best one in the Franchise. The writing is strong there were a few times that I got some genuine laugh out loud moments, but the real strength comes from the characters. They do a good job of making them outlandish without making them cartoonish characitures. Bumper who is usually one of the most obnoxious characters comes off as really likable and someone you want to root for. He was so poorly written. When I heard there was a spinoff about two of the worst characters in Pitch Perfect I was like "oof there's no way these two could carry their own movie let alone a series." BUT I was plesantly surprised, and all it took was you know making them actual characters instead of cartoon antagonists. Kudos to the entire writting staff.

The acting is the main draw here. Devine and Hyland might be my favorite on stage couple. Their chemistry is always electric. Their raw comedic talent played off as well here as it did in Modern family. Jamil is fantastic. She can usually carry a show herself (She-Hulk) but she really shines when everyone else is up top her level. Peiter and Das Boot were fantastic her dry wit played well off his buffoonery. Watched the whole series in a sitting and highly recommend. Best new show so far and I hope it gets a second season.