Review of Pitch Perfect (2012) by Ulla D — 15 May 2015

As a musical theater lover I LOVE THIS MOVIE! Our story starts with the lovely Barden Bellas and our always handsome Treble Makers (both from Barden University), competing against each other at the National Acapella Competition at Lincoln Center. The girl group, the Bellas, have a very humiliating performance during "Eternal Flame". As a result, the Trebbles win. Summer comes and goes and we meet Beca (Anna Kendrick) a freshman at Barden University with dreams of becoming a music mogul. She meets Aubrey (Anna Camp) and Chloe (Brittany Snow), heads of the Bellas, during the Student Activities signups. Beca also meets Jessie (Skyler Astin) at signups. Unconvinced to join, Beca walks away and finds a job at the college radio station. Later, she has a very awkward encounter with Chloe and is persuaded to audition, where she once again meets Jessie. Showing up at the last moment, Beca performs the song "Cups (When I'm Gone)" and makes it in to the Bellas. Jessie meanwhile has also gotten into The Trebble Makers, so now they are in rival groups but they also work together at the college radio station. As the rivalry between the groups continue, Beca's and Jessie's relationship continues to blossom. At regionals, the Bellas are yet again humilated when Beca changes the set list mid-performance, causing the already-strained relationship between Aubrey and Beca to become even more strained, eventually causing Beca to leave the group. After much reflection, Beca decides to apologize and asks to be re-accepted. After a moment's thought, Aubrey realizes Beca was right the whole time about needing to change the set list and re-accepts Beca into the group.

Things with Jessie aren't so easy. In an attempt to help Beca once she gets into jail, he calls her father (who is a professor at Barden University). This causes a rift in their relationship, and after some reflection, Beca realizes she pushed away any friends she had at school. Although she attempts to apologize, Jessie is still hurt, so will they get back together?

After Beca rejoins the Bellas, they decide to change their image just in time for Nationals, but will it be enough to win against the Trebbles?

There isn't much here that parents need to be aware of other than a few sexual situations, brief drug use,language, brief nudity, and two brief vomiting scenes. Teens will be attracted to the catchy songs. Overall this movie is full of positive role models and messages such as perserverance and teamwork. It's an excellent choice for audiences 13 years old and older.