This film is an example of one of my pet hates. It was released in September in the US and is already available on DVD there. Why we have to wait for films so long is beyond me.
Was it worth waiting for? Yep, it was a fun film, with lots of great comedic performances. Music is good and cringe-worthy in metered doses, which is in keeping with the theme.
Plot is tried but true, alternative girl goes to college, convinced she doesn't need friends, meets friends, but doesn't like them at first, meets guy, plays cat and mouse, all works out in the end, even makes up with her estranged Dad.
Am I giving anything away? Of course not. Unless this is your first ever Hollywood film, you will see it all coming a mile off, but that is not why you would go to see this film.
In Australia, the appearance of local girl Rebel Wilson has been a big advertising point for this film, and although she is nowhere near the lead in this film, she steals more than her fair share of scenes. She remains Rebel, accent and all, and plays a character who is the "second best singer in Tasmania" (prompting me to try and think of famous Tasmanian singers........... Comment if you can think of any, because embarrassingly, I can't.) Not sure about her mermaid dancing though.
The entire film revolves around inter-college A-Capella singing and the problems of bringing that into the 21st Century. Think of it as Glee meets Bring it On, and you are getting close. Lots of inappropriate dancing and weird renditions of songs that don't fit add to the fun. (Look for the Sock-apellas singing F' You).
Will it change cinema? Of course not. Will it change your life? Only if you life is EXTREMELY sad. But is it worth $16 a ticket and just under two hours of you time? Yeah, it's a bit of holiday fluff. Or wait for the DVD. Either way, if you enjoy the boy meets girl at college genre, it will not be an unpleasant experience.
Two more quick things. In Australia it is rate M, in the US PG13. Go with the US on this one.
And also, if you are a fan of the Christopher Guest improv movies (For Your Consideration, Best in Show, etc) look out for John Michael Higgens and Elizabeth Banks as the witty 'commentators' at the performance shows. A nice little undercurrent going on.
3 and a half Orsons
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