Welcome back ladies and gents,
Sorry it's been so slow getting started, but I'm finally ready to do my first critique. I figured this one would have to be a great one to start on, so what better controversial movie than Pitch Perfect? Pitch Perfect was released in 2012 and directed by Jason Moore. It boasts a few bigger names such as Elizabeth Banks ("Scrubs") and John Michael Higgins ("Yes Man" "The Ugly Truth"), but also introduces some newer talents in the leads, Anna Kendrick and Skylar Astin.
So let's get started with my thoughts before seeing the movie:
1. "Great... they made Glee into a movie."
2. "Hey, this looks just like one of those horrible comedies that shows all the funny bits in the previews..."
3. "The 'Fat Amy' character is going to be the only saving grace of this 'film' because she's slightly amusing."
4. "This movie looks like a no-plot, cheap laughs, glee-centered attempt to steal my money."
So if you can't tell from that, I didn't have a high opinion of this film before I watched it. To be honest, the ONLY reason I watched it was because I was bored out of my mind and my mom and sister had taken over control of the TV. That being said, as much as I hate to admit it, I actually enjoyed this movie.
Sure, the plot isn't something that stands by great films like "Shawshank Redemption" or "Good Will Hunting," but it's not nearly as horrible as I thought it would be. There was a definite story, as cheesy as it was, and it did unfold as the movie went on. The things that really made this entertaining, however, had nothing to do with the plot. The characters, humor, and surprisingly the music are what make this worth-while. So let me recap in an organized fashion.
1. The Music
The Music in this movie is fantastic. I don't care if you're the snobbiest of music snobs, the mash-ups are way above the "Glee" quality, and regardless of some of the editing, most of the singing seems to be legit and boy can some of these actors sing. Anna Kendrick has a great voice, as does Skylar Astin and MOST of the rest of the cast. The mash-ups are actually genius, and one of the best places that this appears is in the "vocal battle" portion of the movie. The songs move seamlessly together, and the arrangements are actually quite good. As a music major from a respected university, I wholeheartedly enjoyed the music.
2. The Comedy
Lets be honest, this movie isn't trying to win Oscars. It makes fun of itself as much as anyone else would, which is totally fitting to the style of the film. It doesn't take anything seriously, but also doesn't push it to the point of insulting people (mainly "Gleeks" as they like to be called) but it does poke fun at the people who are so overly serious and insane about this type of music and college activity. One of the best scenes for this is the "initiation" scene where each member of the new groups is becoming initiated. This is done in complete jest almost to the extent of a stereotypical fraternity or sorority. Overall, as long as you aren't going to be offended or try to take this movie too seriously, it's incredibly funny. OH, and one of the best parts is the performance by Elizabeth Banks and John Michael Higgins, who play the announcers at each of the competitions. Their banter back and forth is by far the highlight of the film.
3. The Breakfast Club
Yes, this needs to have it's own section. The incorporation of the ending of The Breakfast Club and using that to represent the love story, and eventually incorporating it into the final mash-up is absolute genius. Don't you (forget about me) is a great song, and it just adds such an emotional level to this movie that probably couldn't have been achieved otherwise. It lets the audience identify with the struggle of the main characters, and makes you root for the happy ending the whole way through.
So I guess what I'm trying to say is, I actually really enjoyed this movie. I am a little embarrassed to admit it because the premise is so cheesy and ridiculous, but the movie was really well done in a lot of ways. If nothing else, it's worth it for the comedy and the music.
My Recommendation: Give it a try, at least once.
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