Movie Review: Pitch Perfect (2012)

Like "Glee?"  Then this might be the movie for you!  "Pitch Perfect" is a bit like "Glee" but it's the college competitive a cappella scene rather than high school.  The film centers on freshman Becca (Anna Kendrick), who joins an all-female a cappella group on campus in order to show her father she has tried to engage in college.  The group, the Bellas, is ruled by seniors Aubrey (Anna Camp) and Chloe (Brittany Snow) but the new girls, like Becca, want to shake things up with more unconventional songs/choreography like the all male group, the Treble Makers, and win a national championship. 

Though it's a bit predictable, there's laughs and heart to this film not to mention some good music.  Rebel Wilson really stands out as "Fat Amy," an Australian student who also joins the Bellas.  Wilson is one to watch as she has natural comedic timing.  I like Anna Kendrick in this one but not as much as I did in "Up in the Air."  Brittany Snow is enjoyable.  Some of the writing is a bit awkward (like why do Chloe and Becca have to have a long conversation about Becca joining the Bellas in the shower?) but I think overall this movie's parts overcome the problems with the whole.

It's a C+ for me because the music is enjoyable and there's some good laughs (mostly thanks to Wilson).

Movie Review: Seeking a Friend for the End of the World (2012)

"Seeking a Friend for the End of the World" stars Steve Carell as "Dodge," who the film follows during the final 3 weeks before an asteroid will collide with earth.  Dodge is dealing with the sudden departure of his wife while all around him people are going crazy with drugs, sex, and in some cases suicide.  A chance encounter with neighbor Penny (Keira Knightley) leads to Dodge finding out that his wife was cheating on him and that his long-lost high school love Olivia felt he was the love of her life.  A riot breaks out and Dodge ends up fleeing town with Penny.  Penny agrees to drive Dodge to see Olivia if he takes her to a pilot he thinks will fly Penny to be with her family in England.  An interesting rode trip ensues that is complicated by the pending doom of the asteroid but also the unlikely pairing of Dodge and Penny.

This film got really mixed reviews and I think it's because fans of Carell's more typical fare will be disappointed that this film is more dark.  There danger the characters are facing, the end of the world, is real and creates tension as if there's this huge clock counting down the minutes left that the characters have till it's over.  There's only so long to make things right and be with those who matter but perhaps a new friend can make those final moments worthwhile.  At first I liked this movie but thought that Carell and Knightley just didn't make sense as a couple - maybe as friends but not as a couple.  Perhaps the end of the world makes the impossible seem much more likely in terms of couples?  I did like the casting in this film other than Carell/Knightley as a romantic pair.  Connie Britton shines in a small supporting role. 

The bottom line is that this is a great fatalistic romance/drama about people coming together in light of impending doom.  It's not typical Carell-fare and probably should be avoided by many of his fans.  Solid B for me and great flick for those days when you're worried about Mayan calendars.

Movie Review: Moonrise Kingdom (2012)

"Moonrise Kingdom" is director Wes Anderson's latest film (he also co-wrote it).  Set in 1965 on an island in New England, the film follows 12 year-old orphan Sam (Jared Gilman) and his pen pal/love interest Suzy (Kara Hayward), who decide to run away together.  Sam runs away from "Khaki Scout" camp as well as his latest foster situation while Suzy runs away from her attorney parents and trio of younger brothers.  The pair make their getaway and the island's adults struggle to make sense of the situation and to find them.

I really liked this film, but then again I'm a Wes Anderson fan.  I like his style of screenplay and direction and was not disappointed with this film.  I'd say if you like his previous work, then be sure to rent this one.  "Moonrise" is more of a romance than previous Wes Anderson films so it's a sweet addition to his previous works.  There's just something about the innocent "romance" between kindred spirits Sam and Suzy and their plan to run away together. 

Lots of stars in this one including Bruce Willis, Edward Norton, Bill Murray, Tilda Swinton, Jason Schwartzman, and Harvey Keitel.

Wes Anderson fans be sure to grab this one!  B+