Pitch Perfect

Movie rating: 3 and half Star

38154

I should have hated this. A mash-up of the worst that The X Factor, Glee and Step Up (instead of a dance-off, there's a sing-off) has to offer, Pitch Perfect is a surprising success. Why? Because of the steady stream of quality one-liners from 30 Rock's Kay Cannon.

Beca (a likeable Kendrick) has agreed with daddy that she will attend Barden but what she really wants to do is produce music. Despite initial resistance, she joins the a cappella group The Bellas, run by Chloe (Snow) and Aubrey (Camp), who are in furious competition with one of Barden's other groups, The Treblemakers. Hatred for the Treblemakers has Beca forced to sign a pact that she will never be with any of the group, which proves tough when the charming Jesse (Astin) looms into view.

The relentless music keeps things bouncy throughout. The likes of Ace Of Base, Bruno Mars and the usual 80s suspects get an airing but the soundtrack is heavy with David Guetta and his EDM chums. The songs are flicked through with the speed of a teen's impatient thumb on the iPod; if you don't like this song, there will be another one in a moment.

The romance with Jesse needed polishing, the love triangle (Beca has the hots for the campus DJ) is undercooked and there are fabricated character developments: Kendrick's late admission of "I've always been one of those girls who never had girls for friends," and Jesse's accusation of "You push away anyone who can care about you," come as a complete surprise when they pop up. Plus, is it really a cappella if there's a backing track?

But Pitch Perfect is funny. Rebel Wilson's Fat Amy (allowed to ad lib again) and Hana Mae Lee's creepy Asian girl keep the gags coming while Elizabeth Banks and John Michael Higgins delight as the commentating duo we've seen in The Muppets, Best In Show and Dodgeball (whom they are commentating for is a mystery, however).

Kendricks' Beca likes to take bits from different tracks and push them together to come up with something new and fun. Pitch Perfect's magpie plot doesn't quite pull off the 'new' but it's certainly got the 'fun' down pat.

Review by Gavin Burke | 08:51 | Friday 21st December 2012 | Movie Review

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Comments

• DoubleLetter

  This was due to be releaed October 23rd and was pushed back until the 21st of December. Any ideas why?

  Posted 15:17 | Mon 17th Dec 2012

• UriahRomero

  I thought that I was going to hate this movie, but it is definitely one of my favorites of this year. My favorite songs from the movie are from the Riff Off. Im glad my DISH coworker suggested that I see it, because I loved it. I added Pitch Perfect to my queue on Blockbuster @Home from DISH, and was able to see it so much earlier than if I waited for Redbox.

  Posted 20:05 | Sun 23rd Dec 2012

• Fozz

  Great craic if you just go with it. The songs are short and easy and the whole setup is entertaining. I think it is being mis-sold a bit (the mention of the steaming pile that is 'Step-Up' is harsh as this is far superior) so I'd suggest giving it ago and you will be surprised.

  Posted 09:29 | Thu 10th Jan 2013

• pandabat

  Bridesmaids-meets-Glee! Surprisingly enjoyable and fairly funny throughout. A good night out (or in when it comes out on DVD/Bluray/Download)!

  Posted 13:33 | Mon 21st Jan 2013

• Linda

  Very good film , really enjoyed have seen it more than once. Defo buying this as soon as its out on dvd

  Posted 17:16 | Mon 4th Feb 2013

• Rebecca

  I was reluctant to go see the film because I am not found of musicals and I thought it was going to be a longer version of a Glee episode and that idea was not thrilling. However I was happily surprised, although reminding me of glee in parts it was a hundred times funnier and also shocked me with some of the dialogue which made it more funny. A good watch!!

  Posted 17:23 | Tue 5th Feb 2013

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