Pitch Perfect 3: Movie Review

I am a big fan of the first “Pitch Perfect” which was released five years ago. I have watched it numerous times and it just doesn’t get old.  The first sequel which was released in 2015 is still likable but doesn’t have the magic of the first.  Sequels (especially comedies) are rarely able to recreate the magic of the first film. This brings us to the creatively bankrupt “Pitch Perfect 3”.  The former Barton Bellas return for one final outing before “hopefully” closing the curtain on the franchise for good.

Two years after the Bellas won the world championship, they have all gone their separate ways, working unsatisfying jobs. During a reunion they ladies realize how much they miss singing together and decide to do one more competition at an overseas USO tour. Beca (Anna Kendrick), Chloe (Brittany Snow), Aubrey (Anna Camp), Emily (Hailee Steinfeld), Cynthia (Ester Dean), Flo (Chrissie Fit), Lilly (Hana Mae Lee) and Fat Amy (Rebel Wilson) have all come back for the threequel.

The winners of the competition will get a record contract with DJ Khaled. However, the Bellas have some stiff competition. This includes the band called Forever Moist lead by the beautiful and talented Calamity (Ruby Rose).  Just like the two films prior, there are some fun musical numbers which are always fun to take in, even if they don’t feel as fresh as they once did.  One of my biggest issues with “Pitch Perfect 3” is the storyline involving Fat Amy’s father (John Lithgow).  The final act is completely ridiculous, even for this series.

Oddly enough, despite my many issues, I didn’t hate this film. The cast that makes up the Bellas are so likable that even in a poorly conceived story, I still enjoyed watching them. There are also a few jokes that worked. I like how some of the “lesser known” Bellas were acknowledged a few times. If you ever wondered who the girls in the group who never had any lines were, well we find out here.  Thankfully “Pitch Perfect 3” plays out like a final film and we do get what feels like closure to this chapter in their lives. Let’s just hope the Bellas don’t decide to reunite in ten years and if they do, I hope that gives them enough time for a better script.

By: Marc Ferman