At first glance, ads for the upcoming comedy film “Pitch Perfect” reak of “Glee.” There is singing. In fact, there is a cappella. There is competition. And, of course, there are underdogs. However, Buzzfeed.com reports that “[Pitch Perfect] is not ‘Glee.’ In fact, Ryan Murphy should take note if he wants to improve the show.”
Buzzfeed’s report may come as harsh news to “Glee” fans, but luckily, “Pitch Perfect” will bridge the gap between “Glee” lovers and “Glee” haters by incorporating elements that anyone can enjoy.
Anna Kendrick stars as Beca, the newest member of her college’s all-girl a cappella group, The Bellas. Kendrick, nearly 30, plays a college student with remarkable ease. Her character transforms from the role of reluctant ‘Bella’ into a symbol of hope around which her team can rally. This storyline is clichéd, but for a good reason: a lot of people get their kicks from inspirational montages and all that other feel-good stuff from shows and movies like “Glee.” It is a proven formula for success.
But what about those people who can feel themselves choking on popcorn at the thought of team bonding and spontaneous eruptions into song? Why should they see “Pitch Perfect”? Well, joining Kendrick is an all-star cast of rising comedic talents.
Adam DeVine of “Workaholics” plays Bumper, a member of The Treblemakers. Dubbed “the bad boys of a cappella,” The Treblemakers will get skeptics choking on popcorn for different reasons. They are those people we love to hate-the ones with such inflated senses of self-importance that they become hilarious. DeVine plays that person to a tee, delivering Bumper’s lines in such a rude and unsavory way that he leaves the audience in stitches. Plus, watching him dance to “Right Round” is something I would not want to miss.
Joining DeVine is Rebel Wilson, who plays Fat Amy in the film. After reading a few #pitchperfect tweets on Twitter, Wilson appears to be the undeniable crowd favorite. The comedienne has played minor, yet unforgettable roles in movies such as “Bridemaids,” and “What to Expect When You’re Expecting,” and has even appeared alongside DeVine on “Workaholics.”
Most of the brilliant, tension-splitting one-liners in the movie seem to come out of Wilson’s mouth. One of my favorite conversations is between Fat Amy and Bumper. Bumper admits, “I have a feeling we should kiss,” and Amy dryly replies, “I sometimes have a feeling I could do crystal meth, but then I think ‘mmm better not.'”
“Pitch Perfect” is the second movie produced by actress Elizabeth Banks. Not only does the rookie producer do a fantastic job in this respect, but she asserts her veteran comedic chops in the minor role of an inappropriate commentator for the school’s singing competitions. Other notable appearances are made by Brittany Snow, and newcomers Skylar Astin and Anna Camp.
The movie, based off of Mickey Rapkin’s book of the same name, premiered in select theatres on Sept. 28. If you missed your chance the first time around, the movie will premiere everywhere Oct. 5. Get ready to be “pitch slapped,” people, because, no matter who you are, it is going to feel really good.
Molly Herbison is a second-year student majoring in Spanish. She can be reached at MH757997@wcupa.edu.