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Pitch Perfect

Pitch Perfect | Movie review

Hitting all the right notes with its tuneful combination of music and humour, Pitch Perfect is a fabulous feel-good movie overloaded with the good stuff, and topped off with a sprinkling of cheese.

Barden University freshman Beca (Anna Kendrick), an “alternative” student, prefers to listen to songs rather than singing them. Nevertheless, after accidentally revealing her vocal talent in the dorm bathroom, Beca is unceremoniously forced to perform on the spot by none other than the second-in-command of the all-girl, a cappella group, The Barden Bellas.

After a “sick” performance the year before (literally), The Bellas have been forced to recruit and regroup in order to once again face their rivals, the male vocal group, The Treble Makers, led by Bumper (Adam DeVine). The new and improved “a ca-amazing” Bellas begin to compete, heading straight for the ultimate showdown.

Along the way the group faces the usual obstacles: boys, loyalty, nodes (nodules on vocal chords), more boys… But rather than hindering the progression of the film, the subplots create a lot of comic relief.  The combination of personalities within the Bellas is untiringly hilarious, in particular Fat Amy (Rebel Wilson), who brings a rather large breath of fresh air to the otherwise fairly typical slapstick American humour.

Wilson seems to be going from strength to strength with her funny roles, never ceasing to amuse in the fairly saturated comedy film industry. Though not particularly funny herself, Kendrick’s character brings an element of stability to a fairly unstable group of girls.  Beca’s love life, a focal point in the film, is a little predictable, but necessary to provide a more layered plot.

Although there is an unavoidable hint of cheese, the charismatic qualities of the characters is compelling and enjoyable to witness.  The accompanying soundtrack will get just about anyone dancing in their seat, and by the end of the film, the audience is left grinning from ear to ear.

Pitch Perfect is full of allegro.  Taking on some similar plotlines to the popular TV show Glee, it promises copious amounts of fun which will leave you feeling rather Pitch slapped. 

Jennifer Atkinson

Pitch Perfect is released nationwide on 21st December 2012.

Watch the trailer for Pitch Perfect here:

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