Critic Reviews

For now, Bumper in Berlin delivers where it counts in an unlikely expansion of a series that proves there is still fun to be had in this franchise.

The musical performances aren’t especially memorable (a rendition of Aqua’s “Barbie Girl” is decidedly not fun) and there’s not enough story for what is essentially a three-hour movie chopped up into six half-hour episodes. Somehow it feels smaller than its cinematic predecessors, but fizzier too. The show works best when it’s fast and funny.

STREAM IT, but only because we like watching Adam Devine and Sarah Hyland in scenes together. Otherwise Pitch Perfect: Bumper In Berlin is too silly for its own good, especially because the silly isn’t even all that funny.

What’s especially frustrating about “Bumper in Berlin” is that there are enough solid elements at play here that might’ve made for a decent show. ... Instead, whether or not you’re already a fan of “Pitch Perfect,” “Bumper in Berlin” is mostly just confusing.

The series, created by Megan Amram and Elizabeth Banks, isn’t entirely charmless; it benefits from a game cast and a smattering of decent laugh lines. But they’re stretched too thin across an otherwise pointless series with few fresh ideas and a wearying protagonist.

Despite Devine being best-known for his comedy, Bumper in Berlin’s jokes are even worse than its heartfelt moments. ... Some of the supporting characters shine a bit brighter than Bumper, thankfully. Hyland and Abova, as Thea and Heidi, are big standouts. ... Sadly, with Bumper in Berlin, the song choices are as uninspired as the story. ... No amount of Sarah Hyland can compensate for how aimless and uninspired Bumper in Berlin is.