Pitch Perfect (2012)

Directed by: Jason Moore
★★★★☆Pitch Perfect is a musical comedy based around an all-girl a capella singing group at ‘Barden University’ called The Bellas, and their struggle to try and win the national competition over their rivals from the same college, an all-boy a capella group called the Treblemakers. The film boasts an outstanding ensemble cast including Anna Kendrick, up-and-coming comedy actress Rebel Wilson, and Elizabeth Banks who also co-produced the film.
I was initially concerned that this film would be too cheesy and I wouldn’t enjoy it, and when in the first five minutes the lead singer of the Bellas projectile vomited over the audience at the previous competition, I was concerned that the gags would all go too far and I wouldn’t enjoy it, but most of the humor was light-hearted, with plenty of one-liners that you will be repeating with your friends long after you watch the film!
The music in the film was actually really good. I didn’t really know what to expect, Anna Kendrick (Beca) isn’t known for having musical talent, but she had a lovely voice and all the a capella misuc was fantastic. I felt that there may have been a slight overuse of Beca’s mash-ups of music, which weren’t nearly as original or entertaining as the a capella songs, but it did not detract from the film.
The motif of Simple Minds – Don’t You Forget About Me which accompanies the development of the relationship between Beca and Jesse (Skylar Astin) is a really original idea, and although I don’t think a lot of the target audience (teens) for this film will know what The Breakfast Club is (the film which Simple Minds’ song is in), as a massive fan of 80s films I really appreciated and enjoyed the use of this film and song as a motif.
I believe this film whilst playing strongly towards teen audience’s preferences; it is still very much enjoyable by all audiences. I went to see it with my brother who is in his mid-20s and he enjoyed the film just as much as I did.
Elizabeth Banks (What to Expect When You’re Expecting) and John Michael Higgins (Bad Teacher) as Gail and John provide a hilarious commentary of the singing competitions which are completely inappropriate, and some of the funniest moments of the film. Also many of the one-liners come from Fat Amy (Rebel Wilson; Bridesmaids) who is fast becoming a famous comedy actress, with roles in several films this year and next year. However the character that made me laugh the most was Lilly (Hana Mae Lee), with her innocent appearance, comically quiet voice, and strange comments such as ‘I light fires for fun’, her character definitely provides laughs!
I’d recommend this film if you want something fun and musical, which is both musically entertaining and genuinely funny all at the same time. It’s a light and easy to watch film, which can be enjoyed by anyone.
If you enjoy this film I recommend: Hairspray (2007), Bridesmaids (2011), and Step Up (2006)