Pitch Perfect (2012): Mormon Movie Review

Quality: 

  We got to see an advanced screening of Pitch Perfect tonight.  It is midnight, but I wanted to make sure we got this out to you.  If you see any typos, just let us know, but I will probably proof read tomorrow.  You might want to see if there are any screenings in your area as they are really trying to promote this movie.  If there aren't, Fandango has a buy 3 get 1 free deal for advanced ticket sales!

   Beca, a freshman at Barden University, is cajoled into joining The Bellas, her school's all-girls singing group. Injecting some much needed energy into their repertoire, The Bellas take on their male rivals in a campus competition.

   I am of the firm opinion that Glee is destroying America's young vocal talents.  But there is something about collegiate a Capella music gives me hope.  It is an original style that takes a vocal skill and a keen ear.  It can't just be produced in a studio with a beat machine and auto tune.  With TV shows like "The Sing Off" and groups like BYU's Vocal Point gaining national attention it was only a matter of time before it became a feature film.  Pitch Perfect even takes a few jabs at Glee which made me happy.

   The music in Pitch Perfect is such a pleasure.   Covering popular tracks like Kelly Clarkson's "Since You Been Gone" (I refuse to spell i with a "U") and Miley Cyrus' "Party in the U.S.A." keeps the music relevant.  Pitch Perfect is also timeless as it takes some hits from the 80's like Ace of Base's "The Sign" and breathes new life into them.  Music is a magical thing and several times during the movie I left goosebumps as chords would build or keys change.  The singing is done very well and the ladies and gentlemen of the film have proved they can do more than dance.  You will want to pick up the soundtrack!

   When I was walking out of the theatre I heard a comment from the girls behind me; "Pitch Perfect is the PG-13 Bridesmaids."  I have to say they had a lot in common.  The ensemble cast is all very talented.  There wasn't a weak link in the group.  Anna Kendrick's "Beca" is very fluid and likable.  The balance of being aloof and guarded is struck in a way where we see she is a bit of a loner, but she is likable to the audience so her character progression seems natural.  Her friendship with rival group member Jesse, played by Skylar Astin, is real and heartwarming.  

      Rebel Wilson really steals the show though.  You might remember her from the trailer as "Fat Amy."  Although Amy is a bit crude, she is also brutally honest.  as a credit to Wilson, most of her lines were just improvised and she kept the cast and crew in stitches and she would go on and on until they told her they had enough.  Hopefully the DVD has some outtakes.  (They saved one of the best ones for during the credits though.)

   Producer Elizabeth Banks also has a surprise cameo as one of the announces of the vocal competitions.  She is a delight on screen.  It reminds me of her performance in The Hunger Games.    

   The trailers for Pitch Perfect really focus on the comedy of the movie, but the solid vocal performances is what will keep your eyes glued to the screen and ears wide open!

   

Content: 

 Pitch Perfect is a great teen film.  There is some implied sexual content and a handful or excrement related curses.  Some of the rules of "The Bellas" is that they do not have sexual relations with the guys of their rival a Capella group.  The leader of The Bellas says the reason is to keep their dignity and to be taken seriously. There is also a scene of under 21 drinking.  Some of the dance moves and outfits are a little provocative, but I think what really makes the girls appear attractive is their ability to make beautiful music and the confidence they have in themselves as they perform stage.