Leigh Ann Rassler
Release Date: December 22, 2017
Running Time: 1 hour and 33 minutes
Rated PG-13
Grade: B
Directed By: Trish Sie
Is it weird that everybody is better at the one thing that we do than we are at that thing?
Three years after winning The Worlds, the Barden Bellas are trying to make their way through life after college. When the new Bellas invite them to a performance, the old Bellas are more than eager to reunite. To their disappointment, the invite was to watch, not to join. In an effort to bring the Bellas back together, Aubrey suggests that they join a USO tour in Europe. Since everyone is missing the sisterhood that they shared in college, they pack their bags and head to Spain.
The infamous commentators, Gail and John, who consistently underestimated the Bellas during the prior two underdog wins have been filming a documentary about the Bellas so they also tag along. Once in Spain, the Bellas learn that the other bands (Evermoist, Saddle Up, and Young Sparrow and DJ Dragon Nutz) on tour play musical instruments and that the tour is actually a contest to open for DJ Khaled. While both Amy and Aubrey deal with daddy issues, Beca receives an offer that she struggles with due to her loyalty to the group. Much like a real family, the girls laugh, cry, and support each other…one…last…time.
Let’s aca-finish this!
Following the hugely successful Pitch Perfect 1 and 2, Pitch Perfect 3 concludes the story of Beca Mitchell’s journey from her entrance to college to the achievement of her ultimate goal. This emotional conclusion explores and exploits the bonds that were created by a group that Beca was forced to join back in 2012. I thoroughly enjoyed the reunion but felt that the absence of Jessie (Skylar Astin) and Bumper (Adam Devine) subtracted from the overall feel of the film despite the effort to compensate with Chicago (Matt Lanter) and Theo (Guy Burnet). Post to Post Links II error: No link found for term slug "Kay Cannon" returns for a third time as the film’s screenplay writer so much of the humor and witty lines continued to flow through this finale especially for Beca, Fat Amy, Gail and John who exquisitely deliver these lines.
As with the other films, the performances made me want to sing along and dance in my chair but I was a little aca-dissapointed in the final song. The final song in the first Pitch Perfect will forever go down as the best one in the trilogy. The inclusion of John Lithgow’s role was not only a surprise but a genius addition to Fat Amy’s back-story which I’m hoping will spawn a Fat Amy Spin-off since she is, by large, the best character of the franchise. With all of its ups and downs, I do love these aca-nerds and each film has been highly entertaining. For everyone who has been missing these ‘pitches’, please take a chance on this one! ~Movie Buffette
Your Real Family Does Not Hold You Back. They Lift You Up!
Universal’s Pitch Perfect 3 opened with a different tone and setting. I was not sure where the director Trish Sie from Step Up All In was taking us, but the plot quickly came together. The third film in the franchise was entertaining with plenty of Fat Amy jokes and innuendos. I liked the music, but did not love it as much as the first and second films. I have enjoyed watching the actors and their characters progress since the first installment in 2012. Academy Award nominee Anna Kendrick (Up in the Air and The Twilight Saga) portrays the lead character Beca and carries the film along with Rebel Wilson’s (Bridesmaids and How to be Single) character Fat Amy.
Pitch Perfect 3 provides plenty of laughs and some fantastic cappella voices. I especially liked the scene where the Bellas challenge the other bands to a Riff-Off at Naval Station Rota, Spain. It showcases the talent of the ensemble that makes this film so special in the hearts of many fans. The screenplay showcases the family history of two of the Bella’s, one of which becomes a major plotline. The film contains plenty of action that balances the drama, music and comedy.
Although I think the first two were better films, Pitch Perfect 3 will appeal to fans of the first two films and those that enjoy musicals. It should also attract audiences that want to experience something fun at the cinema this holiday season. ~ A.S. MacLeod
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