October 04, 2022
'Pitch Perfect'
Aca-scuse me? The Ringer's Juliet Litman, Jodi Walker, and Kate Halliwell cause treble as they revisit the 2012 musical comedy 'Pitch Perfect' starring Anna Kendrick, Skylar Astin, Brittany Snow, and Anna Camp.
Cast
Anna Kendrick as Beca
Rebel Wilson as Fat Amy
Anna Camp as Aubrey
Skyler Astin as Jesse
Adam Devine as Bumper
Elizabeth Banks as Gail
Directed by: Jason Moore
Written by: Kay Cannon
Notes
- $17 million budget, grossed $115 million. Was HBO's top performing movie in 2013, beating 'The Dark Knight' Rises and Ted.
- The Cup Song spent 32 weeks on the Billboard charts; the soundtrack reached #1.
- The Gail role was originally written for Kristen Wiig; Amy Poehler was also considered before Elizabeth Banks was cast.
- Adam Devine thought it was a baseball movie when he auditioned and hadn't prepared a song.
- Rebel Wilson and Adam Devine's romantic pairing was not originally scripted – it developed from their improv energy.
- Elizabeth Banks and John Michael Higgins improvised much of their commentary.
- The Tufts Beelzebubs acapella group was the basis for the Treblemakers; their founder Deke Sharon was a consultant.
- The movie Jesse was supposed to love was originally 'Say Anything', not 'The Breakfast Club'.
- Anna Kendrick was nominated for a Tony at age 12.
- Shot at LSU.
- Esther Dean co-wrote 'S&M' by Rihanna and many other hits – possibly the most accomplished person in the movie.
- Took the crown from School of Rock as the highest-grossing musical comedy.
Categories
Most re-watchable scene
- The riff-off in the empty pool – featuring 'No Diggity.'
- The auditions scene featuring 'Since You've Been Gone' and Cups.
- The final medley/finals performances.
- The shower scene with Brittany Snow and Anna Kendrick singing 'Titanium.'
What aged the best?
- The depiction of college life – dorm bathrooms, orientation, finding yourself at 18.
- Brittany Snow as a redhead.
- Skyler Astin's performance and charm – appreciated more 10 years later.
- The Elizabeth Banks and John Michael Higgins commentary.
- The Bellas only performing songs made famous by women.
Best needle drop
- 'Since You've Been Gone' by Kelly Clarkson – audition scene.
- 'Party in the USA' by Miley Cyrus – bus scene.
- 'Don't You (Forget About Me)' by Simple Minds in the final medley.
What aged the worst?
- All the puke/vomit scenes.
- Treatment of the character Lily – Asian stereotypes, never allowed to speak.
- Casual racism throughout.
- Homophobic jokes and Cynthia Rose as a predatory lesbian stereotype.
- Fat-shaming (the burrito thrown at Fat Amy).
- Skyler Astin and Anna Camp's real-life divorce.
Weak link of the movie
- Kate: Anna Camp (Aubrey) – the role could have been played by many people.
- Juliet: Beca's father – no connection to Anna Kendrick, not necessary.
The hottest take award
- Kate: Beca is the true villain of the movie – mean, disrespectful, ungrateful about free college.
- Juliet: All-female acapella is the worst of the three types – least entertaining, least melodic.
- Jodi: The Treblemakers should have won the finals.
Casting what-ifs
- Gail role: Kristen Wiig originally, Amy Poehler considered, went to Elizabeth Banks.
- Brie Larson auditioned for a role (likely Beca).
Over-acting award
- Rebel Wilson and Adam Devine – 'but that's just who they are.'
- Juliet: Ben Platt – the magic stuff, the dove in the dorm room.
Best "that guy"
- Juliet: Utkarsh Ambudkar (Donald) – Freestyle Love Supreme, Ghosts.
- Kate: Freddie Stroma (Luke) – Harry Potter, Game of Thrones.
Best "heat check" performance
Adam Devine – and Elizabeth Banks.
Re-casting couch
- Juliet: Dove Cameron as Beca.
- Kate: Dua Lipa as Beca; Renee Rapp as Aubrey.
- Jodi: Hailee Steinfeld; Jordan Fisher as Jesse.
Half-assed (internet) research
- Esther Dean co-wrote 'S&M' and many other hits.
- Adam Devine auditioned with a TV theme song thinking it was a baseball movie.
- Anna Kendrick attended Stage Door Manor with Skyler Astin.
Apex Mountain
- Anna Kendrick: Peak of her cultural juice.
- Rebel Wilson: Broke out in 'Bridesmaids', cemented here.
- Skyler Astin: This is his apex.
Picking nits
- Everything with Freddie Stroma at the radio station makes no sense.
- Riff-off rules aren't explained clearly enough.
- The costumes are too raggedy for nationals-level competition.
Sequel, prequel, prestige TV or untouchable?
- All-black cast version following the 'Blame It on the Boogie' high school team.
- A Bumper in Berlin spin-off is actually happening on Peacock.
(Probably) unanswerable questions
- Do they ever go to class?
- Why was Chloe in the freshman dorm showers?
- What's cringier: college acapella or college improv?
What memorabilia would you want (or not want!) from the movie?
- Juliet: Beca's spiky earrings.
- Jodi: A Bellas yellow scarf.
- Kate: Beca's headphones.
Best (or worst!) life lessons from the movie
- Seek friends, actually have friends.
- Play to your strengths.
Best double feature for this movie
- Kate: The Glee pilot.
- Jodi: Bring It On.
Who won the movie?
Rebel Wilson – unanimous. Most entertaining, most fun, can sing, enjoyable every second on screen.