Review: Pitch Perfect (2012)

The first time I saw the trailer for this film, I had my doubts on what Pitch Perfect was trying to be. On one hand, it seemed like it was making fun of the "glee craze" and on the other, it seemed like it was taking itself a bit too seriously. Having now seeing it, I can say it falls somewhere in the middle of parodying the style as well as trying to be its own endearing glee story. To sum it up into one statement, this is the singing version of Bring It On.

This is a story about an angsty college student who is forced to join a mediocre acapella group. There isn't much original to find in this plot, and it isn't difficult to guess what will happen next, but it's aware of that and instead tries to create its own originality through some little unique details.

By that, I'm referring to some of the characters, which are mostly made of a generic cast, but a few extras get thrown in that add an interesting dynamic to the film such as a near mute Asian, Lilly (Hana Mae Lee), who clearly doesn't seem to all there. The film also offers something new to the glee feel by making their singing mashups DJ-esque. The way they introduce this into the plot actually works, and the result is that this is a worthy film soundtrack to actually check out. 

I'm not sure if it needs to be said, but this is a chick flick. It offers a bit of humour for the guys, but it really just runs along the lines of, as I mentioned, any Bring it On film, but also a bit of Legally Blonde, Step Up,  and a dash of an 80s Brat Pack film flare. Maybe it's just been a bit too long since I've seen some of these titles, but when you're in the mood to watch them, it can actually be a fun time. That's ultimately what this film was. Something you can watch and enjoy, and if you're in the mood for that, this film does a pretty good job at satisfying that urge.

Compliments aside, it isn't too difficult to realise the film has faults. Most notably, the main character Becca (Anna Kendrick). Kendrick has proved herself to be a worthy actress in films like 50/50 and Up in the Air, but this may have been her worse role (And yes, I have even seen her in Twilight). In her defence, it may have just been because her character was a plain, overly stereotypical angsty teenage girl, that we've all seen in countless films. 

This character seemed like a joke. She was empty and her lines and actions were often nearly cringe-worthy. Other characters were also too stereotypical, but luckily they were somewhat saved thanks Rebel Roxy's performance. She's an actress to look out for who is really proving her strength as a comedian.

This film ultimately was nothing more than a chick flick teenage girls will rent years from now on girl's night for a fun watch. If you're someone who isn't willing to look passed the generic plotlines and plain characters, along with a good slice of cheese, this is a film to run away from. If you just want to have a good time laughing at some, at times, rather successful jokes (thanks to Rebel Wilson) and enjoying the music, although nothing too special, Pitch Perfect is a worthwhile chick flick to watch.