Review: Pitch Perfect

To those of you who think “Pitch Perfect” is simply “Bridesmaids” with a musical twist, you are both completely spot on and incredibly wrong.

In a sense, this film is “Bridesmaids” on repeat. Aside from the blatant mimic of “Bridesmaids” movie poster, “Pitch Perfect” utilizes this somewhat new idea of “female comedy.” And, while it is a completely bogus concept, considering the fact that there are plenty of un-funny men in the world, these hilarious women have been recognized a lot more than previously in recent movies like “Bridesmaids,” and deservingly so.

But, on the other side, “Bridesmaids” does not have the same raunchy, “Animal House” feel employed in “Pitch Perfect.” I mean, when you open a movie with projectile vomiting, chances are, you’re in for some type of completely repulsive thrill ride.

First and foremost, with this film, you have to know what you’re getting into. If you are planning to go to the movies to be intellectually challenged with some type of sophisticated mind-warp, obviously you think entirely too highly of yourself and you need to move along. You’ll be sorely disappointed.

However, if your plan is to be cajoled into a laughing fit and you are able to keep up with marginally intelligent humor — no, “Dumb and Dumber” does not count — then you’re in the right place.

I, for one, got what I wanted out of it; simply, a hilarious, well-executed film with quirky characters and an easy-to-follow plot.

Anna Kendrick is finally getting the recognition she deserves for being the most gifted actor in the Twilight series by playing Beca, the typical angst-y girl at her new college, Barden University. Beca eventually finds her niche and revolutionizes the show choir community with her remixes and mash-ups of commercial songs. She also participates in a somewhat lack-luster love line with Jesse (Skylar Astin). I only say lack-luster because, while the two are endearing characters on their own, their relationship is not a main focus of the film and, in turn, is under-developed.

The two main a cappella groups at Barden, The Barden Bellas and the Treble Makers, (so many terrible music puns) face off throughout the film, with their rivalry coming to a head at their national competition.

While all of the film is great and each character brings some type of odd quality to the story, none do quite such a great job as Fat Amy (Rebel Wilson).

In fact, I had a hard time refraining from making this review a love letter devoted entirely to Rebel Wilson. This woman’s comedic timing is impeccable, only to be rivaled by her uncanny ability to steal a scene with one line.

Wilson’s performance is not a far cry from Brynn, the bizarre character she played in “Bridesmaids,” but she has stuck to what she knows. Will Wilson play the sexually awkward girl, completely void of social skills with a heart of gold for her entire career? Maybe not, but for right now, that’s her type-cast and audiences are eating it up. She is completely brilliant. Have I made it clear that I want to be her best friend yet?

Overall, the film is an open book for all genres of people to enjoy. I actually sat next to a couple of older women — probably 85+ years old — both of whom were rolling laughing for the entire two hours. There are sexual references and dirty jokes for days, while still maintaining the necessary amount of camaraderie and love for one’s fellow man to perpetuate the illusion that a film “has heart,” making this film almost resemble a feel-good movie.

★★★★★