Despite predictable plot, “Pitch Perfect” still maintains humor

By Piper Rodolf
Staff Writer

The blend of occasional vomiting amidst a capella singing and drama makes “Pitch Perfect” an entertaining film with its amusing humor and eccentric characters.

What “Pitch Perfect” lacks in originality it makes up for in crude humor and frequent, catchy song and dance sequences. Although it is only geared toward a specific demographic of young musicians, it still manages to entertain.

Becca (Anna Kendrick), an up-and-coming college freshman, is trying to start her career as a DJ when she joins an all-female, competitive a capella singing group, the Barden Bellas. At first, the group does not seem to have a chance at success with its bland songs and overdone, used choreography, but Becca utilizes her new mash-up versions of various songs to bring the girls out of their funk in hopes of winning the biggest a capella singing competition of the year, the finals at Lincoln Center.

Without the pop-oriented a capella singing, the film would have not been able to catch the viewer’s attention. Thankfully, it has many catchy and recently released songs, such as David Guetta’s “Titanium,” which save the film from losing the audience’s attention.

One especially boisterous character outshines many of the other abnormal and sometimes disturbing Barden Bellas. Self-proclaimed Fat Amy (Rebel Wilson) is a bodacious and sometimes overwhelming English girl who tends to speak her mind on any and every subject.

With a powerful voice and a strong sense of self comfort, Fat Amy is certainly a standout in the film. She truly lives up to her comedic name with her outbursts of strange advice and her ability to overshadow the other petite girls in competition.

However, Becca and her love interest, Jesse (Skylar Astin), put on a disappointing show. Their relationship remains consistently predictable as he tries to awkwardly court her. She continuously rejects him in harsh and uncomfortable ways that only make the audience pity the pair’s inability to reason. Jesse repeatedly tries to impress Becca; however, the poor acting makes the audience feel very uncomfortable.

Watching Barden Bellas’ members humiliate themselves at various competitions, including one in which their lead member projectile vomits on stage, is a hilarious venture. However, the girls’ desire to continue practicing and attending competitions in an attempt to succeed is, although cliche, somewhat inspiring.

Although the musical talent throughout the film is obviously greatly helped by some movie magic, it is entertaining nonetheless. One of the more comical exhibitions of a capella is seen at one competition attended by the Barden Bellas. Members of the Sockapellas, another a capella group, use sock puppets while they perform. This scene is somewhat childish but also adds substantial comedic value.

However, many of the various groups shown throughout the movie are unnecessary additions to the film. For example, the High Notes, a group of drug-influenced students, add nothing to the scenes they appear in.

Bumper (Adam Devine), leader of the Barden Bellas’ rivals, the Treblemakers, is easily the most entertaining character. He is charismatic and insulting to his fellow cast members in a way that brings laughs as he mocks and annoys others. Due to his arrogant tone and progressive boy band singing, he is likable and adds much-needed comedic variety.

Throughout the movie, Becca remains an irresponsible and unenjoyable character. She is predictable and infuriating; her constant rebelling quickly gets repetitive and annoying. Nothing even slightly funny is said by her character, and she seems to spew a constant stream of whining.

Although this film may have memorable songs, enticing choreography and an amusing cast, it fails to reach its full potential with an unoriginal and predictable plot. “Pitch Perfect” is available for viewing in theaters across the nation and is rated PG-13.