‘Pitch Perfect’ hits high notes

A film as full of song and dance as “Pitch Perfect” should only interest people who like theatrical musical numbers, right? Wrong. “Pitch Perfect” has a lot to offer for anyone looking to laugh and be amazed for almost two hours straight.

“Pitch Perfect” tells the story of rebel Beca’s first year of college at Barden University, a school where her father teaches and she most definitely does not want to be. Beca, played by Anna Kendrick (“Up in the Air”), is forced to go to college instead of following her dream to become a disc jockey in Los Angeles. Barden University is home to four a cappella groups, and Beca inadvertently ends up becoming a part of the “Barden Bellas,” a desperate all-female group stuck in the ways of the past and trying to beat out their male rivals, “The Treblemakers.”

The characters in this movie are as over-the-top as they can be, from the announcers at vocal competitions (played by Elizabeth Banks of “Scrubs” and John Michael Higgins) making fun of the performers and reminiscing about their past college a cappella competitions to lead “Treblemaker” Bumper’s (played by Adam DeVine of “Workaholics”) complete and total narcissism. Every outrageous bit, however silly, works for this film though. Performance is about being out-there, and the writers of this film show it. There is not one character in this film that does not shine in their role.

When it comes to the musical numbers, there is something for those obsessed with music and regular movie-goers alike. The dance numbers are spot-on, interactions are hilarious and hearing the many sounds voices alone can make can be completely mind-blowing for anyone.

The constant one-liners in between stunning vocal performances keeps this film moving. Even though it is a musical comedy, there is always a reason for the characters to break out into song. There is a cohesive, moving story to the film rather than it just being a bunch of musical numbers thrown together so people can perform them on the big screen. Belly laughs and “what the heck are they doing?!”reactions are to be expected throughout the entire film.

The best part of this film, if there is a best part, is the actors’ facial expressions. They are all extremely pronounced and intensely emotional (whatever the emotion may be), and it really tops off already stellar performances. During the riff-off, which was an intense competition between “The Bellas” and “The Treblemakers,” the expressions are priceless. It is possible to tell each character’s thoughts just from the looks on their individual faces.

“Pitch Perfect” confronts the issue of acceptance and cliques in a very funny way, and this works for the film. “The Barden Bellas” group is traditionally comprised of bikini-ready girls who can sing, but after a slight mishap they are forced to allow girls of all shapes and sizes to join. Fat Amy, played by Rebel Wilson (“Bachelorette”), calls herself “Fat Amy” so that people do not call her the same behind her back. “The Treblemakers,” and especially leadman Bumper, make sure everyone knows that they are an exclusive group and that nerds are not allowed in.

The film’s PG-13 rating is definitely appropriate, and this is not a movie to take the kids to. There are plenty of sexual references and innuendos as well as some strong language and drug and alcohol references. “Pitch Perfect” is not raunchy by any means, but it is definitely a film for teens and adults.

“Pitch Perfect” is a must-see film which will definitely take viewers to a completely different plane for the entire experience.

“Pitch Perfect” receives 5 out of 5 stars.