This musical comedy, directed by Jason Moore, is loosely adapted from the book of the same name by Mickey Rapkin.

    The story follows the same basic “Glee” plot: An eccentric* collection of outsiders find the rhythm* of their young lives via competitive group singing.

    Preparations for the annual contest — the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella* — drive the plotline. That process is accompanied by a string of catchy* musical mash-ups*, bang-up* choreography, competition jitters*, egocentric* stars, love, heartbreak and difficult relationships.

    The champion from Barden University is a boys-only group called the Treblemakers, headed by a nerd* named Bumper (Adam DeVine).

    The Bellas, a girls’ group run with an iron fist* by Aubrey (Anna Camp), are in need of new members.

    Into this scene walks freshman Beca (Anna Kendrick). She is not happy to be at Barden. Her idea of music is creating experimental mash-ups on her computer. She’s got an internship at the college radio station. But somehow — singing in the shower, peer pressure* and a push from Dad — Beca ends up at the Bellas’ audition*.

    On the other side is another freshman named Jesse (Skylar Astin), a new Treblemaker who also works at the radio station and has his heart set on dating Beca. But Aubrey has made dating a Treblemaker a firing offense. Luckily for Jesse, Beca’s a rule breaker. Luckily for the film, Astin and Kendrick have great chemistry.(SD-Agencies)