Went to an advanced screening of 'Pitch Perfect' tonight staring Anna Kendrick, Brittany Snow, Rebel Wilson, Anna Camp and Skylar Astin. My only complaint is that I have to wait until October 5 to take my friends! Pitch Perfect had me dancing in my seat, laughing out loud and leaving the theatre smiling.
In this movie, aspiring dj Becca, arrives reluctantly to the university her father is forcing her to attend, despite her desire to move to L.A. to start 'paying her dues' to move up in the music industry. The university has 4 a capella singing groups (think Glee, but with slightly less incest amongst members hooking up, yes slightly). Last years winners "Treble makers" are led by the obnoxious 'Bumper' played by Adam Devine, who comes off as just the right amount of annoying that you love to hate him. The all-female group "The Belles" led by Aubrey (Anna Camp, who was Sarah Newlin in True Blood) are struggling to recruit new members after a massive embarassment last year that has tarnished their reputation. (I will add this "embarrassment" haunts Aubrey throughout the film and is pure physical humour)
Through a series of events, Becca joins the Belles and with her dj skills is able to take the out-dated song choices and structured dance routines to the next level, but not without resistance from the controlling Aubrey. As always, Anna Kendrick is a star, she is one of my favourite young actresses, I love her facial expressions and comedic timing.
The movie also includes a budding romance involving swoon-worthy Skylar Astin playing the adorable, witty and talented Jesse. Seriously, this character has you in love with everything about him in a very non-traditional way.
Between the budding romance, the mean girl struggle and the parent/daughter issues, Pitch Perfect also has some hilarious minor characters, a part-job for Becca at the campus radio station and it throws in some epic John Hughes for good measure.
What I appreciated about this movie is that it did not have an overly obvious and predictable plot and still found subtle ways to keep me guessing and entertained until the end. The music was well integrated to prevent it from being an overtly awkward musical (no random breaking into song as they walk across campus for example) and the song choices were a good variety that everyone in the audience could dance (or sing) along.
I really loved the characters and how they all worked together, in particular 'Fat Amy' (Rebel Wilson), 'Bumper' (Adam Devine), Lily (Hana Mae Lee) and Benji (Ben Platt), Jesse's magic-loving nerd roomate. Elizabeth Banks played an emcee for the competitions and added great humour next to her chauvinistic co-host. It's just a great mix of memorable characters who come together creating some major laughs for the audience.
Loaded with one-liners, unique and memorable characters, amazing mashups and performances, this movie is a must-see! I was dancing in my seat, laughing loudly throughout and left happy with the movie overall.
I would highly reccommend going to see this movie October 5, it is hilarious and fun and entertaining and I know I will be going to see it again opening weekend!
