This sequel to the stirring original outing with four female friends suffers from formula break down. The depth of the friendships, the magic of the pants, and the heart wrenching drama of each girl’s situation could not be recreated in this lackluster follow up. The scenes are often too short with each of the four main characters, causing a serious lack of story development. Some of the actresses get shorter shrift from their storylines than others. While the series’ core audience may find some enjoyment in the continuing adventures of these characters, the rest of us will be left unfulfilled.
Based on the series of books by Ann Brashares, “Traveling Pants 2” takes place years after the original experience with the girls Tibby (Amber Tambyln; “The Grudge 2“), Lena (Alexis Bledel; TV‘s “Gilmore Girls“), Carmen (America Ferrera; TV‘s “Ugly Betty“), and Bridget (Blake Lively; TV’s “Gossip Girl”). Each friend has gone to a different college but the original pants - which fit them all perfectly - continues to make its rounds from person to person. Their friendships have become strained as the pants and its associated rituals become a burden, losing importance in each lady’s life. Every character has her own drama to work through, this time mostly without the support of her friends. Tibby is in a serious relationship which spooks her, Lena has broken up with Kostos - the Greek guy - and seeks fulfillment at an art school, Carmen tries out for a summer drama program, and Bridget continues to face issues regarding her mother’s death.
Having enjoyed the first film, I was hoping for an evolution of the characters in this new movie without a significant change in formula. The new director is not as capable of integrating each person’s storyline into the overarching plot. Bridget’s story is woefully under explored compared to the other three, starting with an uninspired archeological trip to Turkey. The magic of Lena’s romance from the first movie has all but evaporated, replaced by a love triangle without real emotional angst. Tambyln is a stand out amongst the other actresses, as she finds in her performance what makes Tibby quirky and special. Ferrera’s storyline is most interesting as she is thrust into a spotlight she may not be ready to embrace, but much of the joy has trickled out of Carmen‘s personality.
When the sentimentality finally comes rushing into the story in the final thirty minutes, it is too little too late as the majority of the film is unremarkable.
Rated PG-13 for mature material and sensuality.
