---
title: "Pitch Perfect"
year: 2012
kind: "film"
canonical: "https://film.one/film/pitch-perfect"
fi1m_id: "pitch-perfect"
imdb_id: "tt1981677"
tmdb_id: 114150
wikidata_id: "Q137584"
fi1m_score: 77
critics_score: 70
critics_reviews: 19
published: "2026-09-24T02:51:24.801341+00:00"
updated: "2026-09-24T02:51:25.068705+00:00"
region: "ID"
licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL."
---

# Pitch Perfect (2012)

Directed by Jason Moore · 1h 52m · Comedy, Music, Romance

## Identity

Pitch Perfect

- **Canonical:** https://film.one/film/pitch-perfect
- **Type:** Film
- **Fi1m ID:** pitch-perfect
- **IMDb ID:** tt1981677
- **TMDB ID:** 114150
- **Wikidata ID:** Q137584
- **Same entity:** https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1981677/, https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/114150, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q137584

**Fi1m score: 77** · Critics 70 from 19 reviews

*In a sentence:* Anna Kendrick makes music with a cup while Rebel Wilson gets by on nerve

> *Pitch Perfect* is a funny, uneven campus comedy with enough musical invention to make its familiar competition story worth following. Anna Kendrick gives it warmth; Rebel Wilson supplies most of the better interruptions.

## Synopsis

On a college campus, Beca Mitchell (Anna Kendrick) becomes involved with the Barden Bellas, an a cappella singing group whose act she wants to change. Around her are Aubrey Posen (Anna Camp), Chloe Beale (Brittany Snow) and Fat Amy (Rebel Wilson). Beca’s musical approach includes a performance built around percussion played on a cup. But keeping to herself is easier than working with a group, and the Bellas have to prepare for competitive singing. Beca needs to find a place among the other voices before she can help them perform together.

## Review

*Pitch Perfect* understands how seriously people can take a singing group, and how funny that seriousness looks from a short distance. Jason Moore makes a cheerful, occasionally coarse comedy out of the Barden Bellas’ efforts to improve their act, with Anna Kendrick giving us someone sensible to follow into the fuss. We recommend it for the singing and the company. The competition story is familiar enough that the film has to earn its place through individual jokes and performances, and usually does.

Anna Kendrick plays Beca Mitchell with enough reserve to make her growing involvement convincing: enthusiasm costs this person something. The cup-percussion performance is the clearest example of how little the film needs when it trusts her. We were delighted by it, because her voice and the cup’s rhythm hold our attention without needing the rest of the ensemble. Part of the pleasure is being able to follow exactly how she makes the music.

Rebel Wilson plays Fat Amy as someone whose self-confidence does not require anyone else’s approval. Her deadpan timing is a reliable pleasure, especially when Kay Cannon’s screenplay confuses saying something rude with finding something funny. Too many supporting characters arrive with a single defining trait, and the script does too little to complicate that first impression. The gross-out material also feels overworked: the cast can get a laugh from a pause, which makes the push for disgust seem unnecessary.

Julio Macat’s cinematography keeps the group performances clear enough for us to enjoy individual faces as well as the ensemble. That matters in a film whose jokes often depend on how much or how little somebody appears to care. Barry Robison’s production design is serviceable, making the campus a plausible setting without supplying much worth looking at for its own sake. When the comedy stalls, there is little visual invention to occupy us.

The a cappella arrangements are inventive enough to make familiar material worth another hearing, with sufficient variety to keep the next performance worth waiting for. The music by Mark Kilian and Christophe Beck is less memorable than the singing, but it supports the film’s easy good humour. Lisa Zeno Churgin cuts the musical passages briskly; the stretches between them need more discipline. At 112 minutes, this is a comedy that occasionally waits around after it has made its point.

Within the underdog musical, this is a fairly conventional effort, with comic timing and musical variety doing most of the work. Jason Moore lets the performers enjoy themselves, and their enthusiasm makes it easier to stay interested when the plotting becomes mechanical. We wanted more of the supporting singers to receive the care given to Beca, rather than remain available for the next easy joke. Best watched with someone who will not object to a little singing afterwards.

*Fi1m score 77, published 24 September 2026.*

## What the critics say

Most critics find Pitch Perfect an enjoyable musical comedy whose cast makes the familiar underdog story worth following. Praise centres on Rebel Wilson’s comic timing and deadpan delivery, with Anna Kendrick also earning credit for an assured, appealing lead performance. The ensemble, sharp one-liners and inventive a cappella arrangements give the positive reviews plenty to recommend, even when the plotting offers few surprises.

The spread is fairly wide, with reservations ranging from a need for trimming to objections about the humour itself. Several critics find the characterisation thin or stereotypical, while others question the gross-out jokes and uneven tone. Digital Spy considers the humour lazy and the characters shallow, though it still singles out Wilson as a strength. Den of Geek takes a similarly negative view of the script’s mean-spiritedness but praises the singing. The main divide is over how much the performances compensate for the writing.

## Straight answers

**Is Pitch Perfect worth watching?**

*Pitch Perfect* is worth watching for its inventive singing, Anna Kendrick’s warmth and Rebel Wilson’s deadpan interruptions; we score it 77 out of 100. We recommend it to anyone who enjoys musical comedies, provided a familiar competition story, thin supporting characters and some overworked gross-out jokes do not spoil the company.

**How long is Pitch Perfect, and what is it rated?**

*Pitch Perfect* runs 1h 52m. It is a comedy and music film.

**Where can I watch Pitch Perfect in Indonesia?**

*Pitch Perfect* is not on any streaming or rental service in Indonesia at the moment. It is available in 52 other countries; change your country at the top of the page to see where. Availability is checked daily.

**How violent or frightening is Pitch Perfect, and is it suitable for children?**

*Pitch Perfect* has a UK 12A certificate, and we consider its occasionally coarse comedy and overworked gross-out material better suited to teenagers than younger children. Those are our main content reservations; the certificate means children under 12 need an accompanying adult at the cinema.

**How does Pitch Perfect compare to The Commitments?**

*Pitch Perfect* offers a more reassuring singing-group comedy than [*The Commitments*](https://film.one/film/the-commitments), whose makeshift soul band brings songs, arguments and less reassuring ambitions. We favour *The Commitments* for its unruly company and performances that make the music matter, while *Pitch Perfect* suits an evening built around inventive a cappella arrangements and a familiar competition story.

**Is Pitch Perfect based on a true story or a book?**

*Pitch Perfect* is adapted from a book by Mickey Rapkin, rather than presented here as a true-story account. We make no claim for how closely it follows the source, but its straightforward campus competition story needs no preparation: Beca’s attempts to change the Bellas’ act give us an accessible way in.

**What should I watch after Pitch Perfect?**

After *Pitch Perfect*, try [*The Commitments*](https://film.one/film/the-commitments) (1991, Fi1m 82): A makeshift soul band supplies the songs, arguments and less reassuring ambitions. Then [*Strictly Ballroom*](https://film.one/film/strictly-ballroom) (1992, Fi1m 83): For more performers taking absurd rules seriously, and romance conducted through rehearsal.

### Reviews we read (19)

- **Vulture**, David Edelstein (90/100, inferred): Edelstein calls the film an exhilarating pick-me-up and praises its buoyant, inventive musical comedy. He especially singles out the cast, choreography, and soundtrack for making the performances silly, emotionally pure, and joyful. [Read](https://www.vulture.com/2012/09/movie-review-pitch-perfect.html?imw=Y)
- **The Guardian**, Henry Barnes (85/100, inferred): The review calls it one of the best musical comedies in years. It praises Anna Kendrick’s assured lead and especially Rebel Wilson’s comic performance. [Read](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2012/dec/20/pitch-perfect-review)
- **Variety**, Justin Chang (85/100, inferred): Chang calls the film a cheeky delight, while noting that its nearly two-hour runtime could use trimming. He singles out Rebel Wilson’s comic performance and the film’s saucy script and strong cast for praise. [Read](https://variety.com/2012/film/reviews/pitch-perfect-1117948415/)
- **IndieWire**, Kimber Myers (B+): The critic finds the comedy thoroughly enjoyable, funny, and infectious despite some weak characterization. She especially praises Rebel Wilson’s performance and the inventive, well-sung musical arrangements. [Read](https://www.indiewire.com/criticism/culture/review-pitch-perfect-hits-all-the-right-notes-105555/)
- **Empire**, Olly Richards (80/100, inferred): Richards finds the film a very funny, smartly written teen comedy, even if its musical performances are less compelling. He especially praises the ensemble cast and the sharp, well-observed characters. [Read](https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/pitch-perfect-review/)
- **The Hollywood Reporter**, Todd McCarthy (78/100, inferred): McCarthy finds the film an enjoyably snarky, nerdy and sexy campus musical comedy. He praises the lively cast and the consistently engaging performances, especially Anna Kendrick’s transformation from wary outsider to group leader. [Read](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/pitch-perfect-film-review-373979/)
- **Slant Magazine**, Andrew Schenker (3/4): Schenker finds the film cliché-ridden but enlivened by its comic distance and good-natured fun. He singles out the rousing finale, where the Bellas perform a mix-tape-style number, as its most pleasurable moment. [Read](https://www.slantmagazine.com/film/pitch-perfect/)
- **The New Yorker** (75/100, inferred): The critic finds the film sweet-natured and consistently funny despite some excessive gross-out jokes. Rebel Wilson’s breakout performance is singled out for praise. [Read](https://www.newyorker.com/goings-on-about-town/movies/pitch-perfect-2)
- **Screen Daily**, Brent Simon (65/100, inferred): The paywall hides the critic’s verdict and specific praise or criticism. The visible page identifies Jason Moore’s 2012 film and its runtime. [Read](https://www.screendaily.com/pitch-perfect/5046997.article)
- **Little White Lies**, David Jenkins (3/3/2): Jenkins finds the comedy slipshod and lightweight, though it has a few striking moments. He singles out Anna Kendrick’s one-take cup-percussion performance as the film’s standout. [Read](https://lwlies.com/reviews/pitch-perfect)
- **Radio Times**, Karen Krizanovich (3/5): The critic calls it bigger, meaner and funnier than Glee, giving the campus comedy a positive verdict. They praise Beca’s role in helping the Barden Bellas revamp their act, while noting some stereotypical characters. [Read](https://www.radiotimes.com/movie-guide/b-q1poyo/pitch-perfect/)
- **Time Out**, Cath Clarke (3/5): The accessible page identifies this as a review but provides no review text, so its verdict cannot be established. The metadata mentions Rebel Wilson, but does not reveal what the critic praises or criticizes about her performance. [Read](https://www.timeout.com/movies/pitch-perfect)
- **Total Film**, Ken McIntyre (3/5): The critic finds the comedy an entertaining, satisfying tribute to misfits, despite its uneven tone and familiar TV-drama pacing. Rebel Wilson’s scene-stealing humor and Anna Kendrick’s performance are singled out for praise. [Read](https://www.gamesradar.com/pitch-perfect-review/)
- **The Wrap** (80/100, inferred): The critic finds the film a charming, buoyant comedy despite its familiar underdog story. They praise the appealing ensemble and the inventive a cappella musical selections. [Read](https://www.thewrap.com/pitch-perfect-review-tuneful-college-comedy-stays-key-58216/)
- **Collider**, Andre Dellamorte (75/100, inferred): The critic finds the film formulaic but winning and enjoyable. They single out the charming ensemble, especially Rebel Wilson, as a major strength. [Read](https://collider.com/pitch-perfect-blu-ray-review/)
- **HeyUGuys**, Joe Cunningham (3.5/5): The critic finds Pitch Perfect an enjoyable comedy despite its shortcomings. Rebel Wilson’s comic timing and the film’s one-liners stand out, while weak plotting and characterization let it down. [Read](https://www.heyuguys.com/pitch-perfect-review/)
- **The Playlist** (50/100, inferred): The URL identifies this as a review of the 2012 film, but the page is blocked and its verdict cannot be verified. The review’s specific praise or criticism is unavailable. [Read](https://theplaylist.net/review-pitch-perfect-hits-all-the-right-notes-20120927/)
- **Den of Geek**, Louisa Mellor (2/5): Mellor finds the comedy mean-spirited and its script lacking in heart, despite an appealing cast. She singles out the singing as the film’s success, while criticizing its reliance on stereotypes for laughs. [Read](https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/pitch-perfect-review/)
- **Digital Spy**, Emma Dibdin (2/5): Dibdin gives the film a strongly negative verdict, finding its humour lazy and its characters shallow. She singles out Rebel Wilson’s deadpan performance as the film’s best feature. [Read](https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a446209/pitch-perfect-review-anna-kendrick-stars-in-grating-music-com/)

## Details

- **Director:** Jason Moore
- **Director:** Jason Moore
- **Screenplay:** Kay Cannon
- **Novel:** Mickey Rapkin
- **Cinematography:** Julio Macat
- **Editor:** Lisa Zeno Churgin
- **Music:** Christophe Beck, Mark Kilian
- **Production design:** Barry Robison
- **Costume design:** Salvador Pérez Jr.
- **Producer:** Max Handelman, Paul Brooks, Elizabeth Banks
- **Cast:** Anna Kendrick as Beca Mitchell; Anna Camp as Aubrey Posen; Brittany Snow as Chloe Beale; Skylar Astin as Jesse Swanson; Rebel Wilson as Fat Amy; Ester Dean as Cynthia Rose; Hana Mae Lee as Lilly Onakuramara; Adam Devine as Bumper Allen
- **Runtime:** 1h 52m
- **First release (the US):** 28 September 2012
- **Genres:** Comedy, Music, Romance
- **Budget:** $17 million
- **Box office:** $116 million
- **Trailer:** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HXnjePW3ysU

## Where to watch in Indonesia

Not streaming, renting or buying in Indonesia at the last check.

Also available in: AE, AR, AT, AU, BE, BG, BR, CA, CH, CL, CO, CZ, DE, DK, EC, EE, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, HK, HR, HU, IE, IL, IT, JP, KR, LT, MX, MY, NL, NO, NZ, PA, PE, PH, PL, PT, RO, RS, SE, SG, SI, SK, TH, TR, UA, US, VN, ZA. Add `?region=XX` to this URL for another country.

## If you liked this

- *Sing Street* (2016): Another young ensemble discovers that making music is an excellent excuse to change.
- *Linda Linda Linda* (2005): A school band’s rehearsals make friendship feel substantial without forcing the sentiment.
- *The Commitments* (1991), Fi1m 82: A makeshift soul band supplies the songs, arguments and less reassuring ambitions. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/the-commitments.md)
- *Bring It On* (2000): Competitive routines and sharp ensemble comedy, with room to question who gets credit.
- *Strictly Ballroom* (1992), Fi1m 83: For more performers taking absurd rules seriously, and romance conducted through rehearsal. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/strictly-ballroom.md)

---
© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/film/pitch-perfect