PITCH PERFECT – The Review

In the summer of 2009, a weird reality/competition show came on called The Sing-Off. It was a singing competition for acapella groups. As a reality-show addict, I watched, even though I had my reservations. It seemed a little silly, but to my surprise it was really entertaining and I watched it for the next 4 seasons. So it came as no surprise that someone would think to make a movie based on this premise. Enter PITCH PERFECT, a quirky and hilariously funny film about competitive collegiate acapella singing groups.

For his first feature, director Jason Moore smartly decided to stay in his wheelhouse – musicals. After all, he was nominated for a Tony for directing broadway’s Avenue Q, which also won the Tony for best musical in 2004. He is very comfortable in this genre.

While the story isn’t as tight as it could be, the characters are so funny and well developed it doesn’t matter. Beca (Anna Kendrick) is a reluctant college freshman who joins the campus all-girl acapella group The Bellas in order to please her father by trying to fit in. After a humiliating showing at last years national championships, the Bellas need to find a way to defeat the reigning champions and arch-rivals.

The movies many musical numbers are not only well sung, but well acted. The Glee-type “mash-ups” are clever and very entertaining. The periferal characters are way funnier than the leads, most notably scene-stealing Rebel Wilson. This role should sky-rocket her career quite nicely. Also watch for John Michael Higgins as he hilariously “calls” the competitions with Elizabeth Banks.

For the entire first half of the movie, I was getting a strong vibe that this was sort of an homage to the John Hughes movies of the 80’s. And without spoiling anything, I was right. Fans will enjoy the tip of the hat when it happens.

While sort of predictable, this movie makes you laugh out loud and want to even sing along. You almost have to see it twice to catch the jokes you missed because you were laughing so hard. And not for nothing, PITCH PERFECT was #6 at the box office this weekend, pretty impressive given that it’s only playing in limited markets.

I give this feel good, happy movie 4 out of 5 stars!

In select theaters now, everywhere October 5th.

Visit the official site: http://www.pitchperfectmovie.com/

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