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| Beca (Kendrick) and "The Bellas" |
Directed by Jason Moore
Produced by Elizabeth Banks, Paul Brooks, and Max Handelman
Written by Kay Cannon (screenplay); Mickey Rapkin (book)
Starring Anna Kendrick, Skylar Astin, Rebel Wilson, Adam Devine, Anna Camp, Brittany Snow, John Michael Higgins, and Elizabeth Banks
****
A cappella singing has never been so appealing. Fresh out of high school, Beca (Kendrick) dreams of being a record producer, but she enters Barden University at the insistence of her father, a professor. On campus, she joins the "The Bellas", which is a girls a cappella group and one of four serious a cappella outfits at the university. In this world, the competitions are intense, and there's even an international collegiate championship. While Beca interns at the school's radio station and practices with the group, she meets Jesse (Astin), who is in "The Treblemakers" - a rival guys a cappella group. The girls in her group are not supposed to sleep with them, but Beca is conflicted, because deep down she really likes him. Meanwhile, the big competition is nigh, and the girls must work through the escalating tension to give a great performance on their big night.
Although this film borrows from TV's Glee (which I hate) and other films, director Jason Miller's cinematic debut is far better. The film is loaded with thrilling musical numbers, hilarious one-liners, and charming performances from the ensemble. Obvious standouts in the cast are Anna Kendrick and Rebel Wilson, but Brittany Snow, Anna Camp, and Skylar Astin also fill their roles quite well. The screenplay walks a thin line with this formulaic plot, yet it never oversteps its bounds. Everything feels right. This is a glorious fusion of hit songs and pop culture references, and it somehow combines the feeling of a cult classic with a refreshing new story. Though stories like this are frequently told, this film goes all in, and never holds back. It's a well-executed, little gem that essentially came out of nowhere, and it's one of the year's best. I can't recommend this one enough. It's charming, heartwarming, and, for lack of a better word, it's just cool. There are plenty of memorable moments worth mentioning, but I won't spoil them. Just go see it.
Oscar Potential: None
I've been looking for a movie to have a good, lighthearted time with. (I didn't know before becoming a film buff I would watch such dark movies, lol).
ReplyDeleteHaha. It's a lot of fun. I didn't know much about it going in, so it was a pleasant surprise.
DeleteAll of friends have already seen this like three times a piece...so I have this high on my 'once it hits Netflix it'll be at the top of my queue' list.
ReplyDeleteI don't blame them. I'm hoping to see it again soon myself. :)
DeleteI adore Anna Kendrick. So, I will sure see at some point. I really don't expect it to be great. As long as it's Fun, Iam perfectly OK with it and it looks like it is. Good Job Josh!
ReplyDeleteThanks SDG! I don't know if you'll love it like I did, but I'm sure you'll like it at the very least. ;)
DeleteThough I don't enjoy musicals, especially with young cast, I'll probably watch it on DVD - I love Rebel Wilson, she is so hilarious.
ReplyDeleteYay! If it helps, it's more of a musical comedy than a straight musical. The characters only sing during tryouts/competitions, so they're not just breaking into song for no apparent reason. ;)
DeleteAnd Rebel Wilson is awesome in it.
Contradicted myself because I just thought of a scene where they basically do just break into song. Oh well. Hope you like it if you see it.
DeleteI'll rent this one as the cast seems likable enough. Anna Kendrick is quite talented, I like her in 50/50 and Up in the Air.
ReplyDeleteI thought she was better here than in 50/50, but I'm a big fan of this one, so I'm a little biased. :)
DeleteThis doesn't sound like my cup of tea, somehow, but since you recommend it so strongly, I may give it a go. One of many reasons I read movie blogs is to encourage myself to be open to things I might not normally watch. ;-)
ReplyDeleteHaha. It might not be your cup of tea. Keep in mind, I'm recommending it so strongly because I surprisingly loved it. From what I've read, I'm in the minority on this one anyway. :)
DeleteGlad you liked it mate, it's definitely my surprise hit of the year, a film I thought I would hate and absolutely adored!
ReplyDeleteSame here. I just wish more people felt that way.
DeleteThanks for stopping by!