Between the cute little matching outfits, meticulously applied makeup, perfectly coifed hairdos, choreography, a smiling and non-threatening sort of wholesomeness, the Bellas embody all of the appeal of cheerleaders mixed in with a healthy dose of musical talent. Or at least they did. Following a very embarrassing performance at the Nationals (yep - you heard that right: competitive collegiate a capella) and graduation of pretty much the entire group, they're high and dry with only two veterans and a whole lotta recruiting to do.
How they end up with the motley crew they ultimately decide on, when a capella singing is popular enough on campus to support four groups is anyone's guess, but to say they have their work cut out for them with this bunch is an understatement. Only Beca (played by Anna Kendrick), who begrudgingly joins to show her father she's giving college a try, seems to have the talent to turn things around. Sure, she'd rather be mixing music on her computer, or flirting with a-ca rival Jesse (Skylar Astin), but she's got talent to spare.
It's a classic underdog story. The Bellas are really not very good. But they have heart and when they stop trying so hard to conform to the mold of Bellas past and start enjoying themselves, things actually get good. The music is fun, well-arranged, memorable and will have you humming right along with them. And the whole thing is underpinned with battle of the sexes rivalry with the a-ca boy group: The Treblemakers.
Comic relief comes from all corners in this one, but Rebel Wilson ("Bridesmaids") gives a particularly stand-out performance with her impeccable delivery as the self-named Fat Amy. Between the one-liners and a memorable solo performance in competition, there are laugh out loud moments to spare. While a healthy appreciation of music will help, you don't have to love a cappella to love this movie.
| Movie title | Pitch Perfect |
|---|---|
| Release year | 2012 |
| MPAA Rating | PG-13 |
| Our rating | |
| Summary | Where "Pitch Perfect" could be esoteric and play out like a really long episode of "Glee", it's edgier, more irreverent and, yes, much better scored. |
