Can’t enjoy your comedy-drama without it being peppered with popular songs? In short, can’t get enough of Glee? Well, let’s hear it for Pitch Perfect. Based on a book by Mickey Rapkin, ex-senior editor at GQ and monthly columnist for Elle magazine, the film delves into the world of competitive collegiate a cappella, perfect for a time when audiences want their musicals to incorporate hit songs not just plot-related warbling.

The film opens with a glimpse into the miserable college life of DJ-wannabe Beca (Anna Kendrick), who would rather be pursuing her creative dreams in LA, or anywhere else for that matter, than remain stuck at Barden University, where her estranged father wants her to be. As she tries to find her place in her freshman year, she bumps into seniors Aubrey (Anna Camp) and Chloe (Brittany Snow) from the all-girl a cappella group, The Bellas, who lost embarrassingly in a national competition last year. Struggling to find new members, they put together a rag-tag bunch of misfits who, despite not fitting the typical mold, can actually sing. Baulking under huge pressure from Aubrey, who wants to stick to The Bellas’ traditions as it’s her last chance to win, the other girls are more interested in expressing their love for music in their own ways, the result being some out-there mash-ups.

OK, so it’s not the plot that keeps the audience entertained, but the music that’s the star of the show. The film keeps rolling out the big sing-alongs with various twists and modifications. It’s little surprise that Ed Boyer, an a cappella specialist involved in Glee, was brought onboard here too as a music arranger. All the girls in The Bellas put in colorful performances, filled with sass and charm, but special mention must go to Rebel Wilson whose offbeat character Fat Amy steals scenes throughout. While Pitch Perfect doesn’t have too much that surprises, it succeeds by remixing the familiar to build empathy with its quirky characters, with catchy results.