Pitch Perfect is Right On Key

Photo courtesy on imdb.com

Last Monday I made my way to Carmike Cinemas in Allegany to finally see Pitch Perfect. I’ll admit, Pitch Perfect was the movie I was most excited to see all semester, and I definitely had high expectations. I can happily say the movie did not disappoint.

Pitch Perfect starts out at an a-cappella championship, with the Barden University Bella’s ready to hit the stage. Unfortunately, they hit it a little too hard, making an unforgettable impression. During the credits time fast forwards to the start of the school year, and a new semester full of unknowing freshmen- including Beca. Beca, an inspiring music producer, has her suitcase packed with crushed dreams and disdain for Barden, since her orignial plan to move to L.A. was sidetracked by her professor father. 

For the first leg of the semester Beca has one friend, a hostile roommate, and no desire to get involved or go to class. All she is focused on is her internship at the radio station where the highlight of the day is stacking cd’s in alphabetical order. It looks like Beca’s time at Barden is going to be pretty lonely until her dad comes up with a proposition. If Beca gets involved with some sort of organization or club and doesn’t somewhat enjoy herself, her dear-old-dad will give her his blessing to move to L.A. and even pay for the trip. Sounds like a sweet deal, right? 

Fortunately for the  Bella’s, Beca chooses a-cappella as her on-campus activity, and is one of their mostly freshmen, misfit group of singers. With Beca in their ensemble, the Bella’s take on the school year and their adversaries- the ridiculously good, all male Barden a-cappella group, the Treblemakers. With newfound friendship, rivalries, a little romance, and some uncontrolled bodily functions, it's an unforgettable year at Barden University. 

The role of Beca was filled by Anna Kendrick. For any Twilight fans, you’d recognize Kendrick as Bella’s human friend Jessica. I was interested to see how Kendrick would do stepping into the starring role. So far Kendrick has done a great job being a supporting actress, but hasn’t really carried a movie herself. I can giddily say I wasn’t disappointed. Kendrick did a good job at nailing Beca’s angst and stubbornness, and had good chemistry with Skylar Astin, who played Jesse, Beca’s love interest and competition.  Kendrick proved she can handle the hot seat.

As impressive as Kendrick was, the real scene stealers for me were some of the supporting actors. Rebel Wilson, who made her mark on the big screen in Bridesmaids. The Australian actress played the role on an annoying roommate in Bridesmaids. In Pitch Perfect Wilson portrayed Fat Amy, and stole the show. Fat Amy is large and in charge, and Wilson’s comedic timing and delivery was spot on and had the whole theater busting out in laughter. With her lines about horizontal running, the “orthodox Jew” hairstyle, and crystal meth, Wilson brought down the house. Even her lines that are featured in the preview are ten times funnier during the actual movie. 

A-cappella competition judges Gail and John (played by Elizabeth Banks and John Michael Higgins) were in only a few scenes, but played off each other great. Their commentary of the competitions were hysterical. They weren’t typical commentators, and their comments might’ve teetered on the inappropriate side, but the movie is a comedy. Banks and Higgins delivery was everything too.

However, the biggest laughs came from the Bella’s quietest member- Lilly, played by Hana Mae Lee. Lilly spoke so softly that none of the other singers could hear her. The audience however got to hear her soft spoken one liners that left me practically in tears. I don’t want to give too much away, but when a quite, timid characters comes out with a barely audible “want to see a dead body?” it doesn’t get much better. 

Besides the great acting, Pitch Perfect had more to offer. The dialogue was hilarious for starters. The Barden University a-cappella groups even had their own kind of aca-language. With the head Bella in charge crying “aca-scuse me” to everyone while cracking down the whip. 

Also, as a movie relying heavily on music, Pitch Perfect delivered a great sound. The a-cappella group’s mash-ups had me bobbing my head and wanting to get up and dance. I would buy the soundtrack in a heartbeat. It was feel good music, for sure.

I do have to make a note that at times the movie was a little predictable. A rebellious teen girl who is a product of her parent’s divorce as our heroine joining a bunch of misfits. It isn’t really hard to figure out the end game. However, saying that, my thoughts are who cares? In the end Pitch Perfect was a great movie. It left me with a good feeling and  parts from several songs bouncing around in my head. And judging by the audience reaction, I wasn’t the only one who loved the movie. The theater was pretty full for little Carmike in Allegany, and everyone in there was busting out in laughter. 

As of right now, Pitch Perfect is certified fresh on Rotten Tomatoes, with a whopping 77 percent. If it was my job to give this movie a score I wouldn’t hesitate to give it an A. My recommendation is to get your butt the the theater to see the ladies (and gentlemen) of Pitch Perfect hit their mark.

Photo courtesy of rottentomatoes.com