Pitch Perfect - 10 stars out of 10

Pitch Perfect - 10 stars out of 10

"Pitch Perfect" is a clever ode to the growing popularity of collegiate a cappella music.  This film derives its comedy from over-dramatic characters, situational irony, blatantly portraying stereotypes, and off-the-wall dialogue ("I was born with gills like a fish").  In other words, this film does not strive for realism; it is driven by absurdity.  The film is driven by its diverse characters and its impressive musical performances.  Anna Kendrick is hotter than ever as Beca, not only because of her looks but also her attitude and attractive singing voice.  These three aspects combine when she is singing in the shower (the scene is perfection... and I will not elaborate).  She's a very relate-able character and gives us someone to root for (and drool over).  Skylar Astin makes a great romantic interest (and his character is written well as her perfect match but a member of the rival a cappella group), Brittany Snow and Anna Camp are perfect as the polarizing personalities that lead the singing group, but nobody has received more praise than Rebel Wilson in the role of "Fat Amy."  Her dialogue is perfectly delivered and she does not seem as if she is from this world (apparently Tasmania is like a different planet).  I also appreciated John Michael Higgins as the misogynist commentator at the competitions.  But the acting is only half of the equation.  The music in this film is simply awesome.  But when you bring pop a cappella arranger Deke Sharon on board to write the arrangements, how could you expect any less?  The harmonies are tight, the use of well-known songs is creative, and some of the mash-ups are so clever that it seems like they were originally written that way.  From the a cappella enthusiast to the lover of comedy, and from the quirky character aficionado to the chick flick fan, there is something for everyone in "Pitch Perfect."