allystoybarn

 To keep track of the films I watch this year, and my opinions of them, I'll be posting my mini-Tumblr reviews here as well. Up first is Pitch Perfect, because I forgot to talk about Life of Pi and it's been over a week since I've seen so my memories won't be coherent enough to talk about it now. So. Here you go.

 

Technically Life of Pi was #1 but eh, I literally just decided to keep track of films I watch in 2013, like, right now.

Pitch Perfect leaves me in a bit of a dilemma. I want to like it so much, it’s been ages since we had a good (teen) comedy with female leads, and it’s about my favourite thing ever - Music! 

The problems with Pitch Perfect come thick and fast, pretty much from the beginning. For starters, the emetic humour is distinctly unfunny to me in the same way that the entire sequence in the bridal shop in Bridesmaids, though skippable, was enough to make me hate the film. The humour in general is actually pretty mediocre. Most jokes fall flat, though not for lack of trying on the cast’s part as the execution is enthusiastic while managing to not look forced. The script just does not cut it as a laugh-a-minute, the most it’ll arouse is a wry smile as lines are thrown out and don’t hit the mark. The humour in Pitch Perfect is distinctly average.

Also, the plot is essentially a rehash of Bring It On just with a cappella instead of cheerleading.Bring It On, however, had a much stronger script and a distinct force of personality that Pitch Perfect doesn’t quite manage to match. Don’t get me wrong Pitch Perfect has a lot of charm and energy and I don’t actually dislike it. In fact, I enjoyed it a lot, I just didn’t think it was funny.

The musical sequences are superb, the song choices are excellent and exactly what I hoped for going into the film. The characters are unique and entertaining in their own ways. The romance sub plot is, pardon the pun, pitch perfect and easily the most enjoyable thing (second only to the music) as it feels genuine and not rushed or forced.

All in all, 6.5/10. I wouldn’t object to watching it again, as I can certainly feel myself fostering something akin to affection for it and perhaps it will grow on me, but Bring It On it is not.