Pitch Perfect 3

Pitch Perfect 3, possibly the last installment in the Pitch Perfect Franchise is a beautiful goodbye to the fans of the movies and a twist on the series. In this installment the Bellas are reunited and get an opportunity to sing together one last time on the USO tour to support the troops in Europe. This installment brings more characters, laughs, and a twist. The movie does show the Bellas trying to prove themselves to the world that they are not just women who sing covers of other people songs. Though there was not as much music as the first two, the movie does lose focus in its plot, however the movie ties things up in the end with a goodbye performance as the Bellas go on to separate and live their lives.

"Alright, ladies, pick up your stuff. We're going to show them that we are not a joke."-Emily, Pitch Perfect 3

'PITCH PERFECT 3': Two and a Half Stars (Out of Five)

The third film in the comedy/musical trilogy about a young women a cappella group, called the Barden Bellas (from Barden University). In this (supposedly) final installment, the girls reunite (years after they graduated) for one final singing competition, at a USO tour overseas. Anna Kendrick, Rebel Wilson, Anna Camp, Brittany Snow, Hailee Steinfeld, Hana Mae Lee, Ester Dean, Alexis Knapp, Elizabeth Banks and John Michael Higgins all reprise their roles from earlier films. While Ruby Rose, John Lithgow, Andy Allo, Matt Lanter and DJ Khaled join the cast. It was directed by Trish Sie (who also helmed the 2014 musical/dance flick 'STEP UP ALL IN'), and it was written by Kay Cannon (who also wrote the first two movies) and Mike White (who also wrote the 2003 musical/comedy flick 'SCHOOL OF ROCK'). The film has received mostly negative reviews from critics, and it's performed modestly at the Box Office. I found it to be mostly a bore, and unamusing, but I did highly enjoy the first two movies.

Years after graduating from Barden University, and winning the world championship, the Bellas get back together at their friend's, and former Bella (Steinfeld), show. There they reminisce, and talk about how they miss singing, and that each of their lives have not turned out the way they had hoped. The girls then decide to accept an invite to perform at the USO tour overseas, with other musical groups. Once there they find out that the show is also a competition, and the Bellas get very intensely involved in this competition once again.

Every time a 'PITCH PERFECT' movie comes out, I'm never eager to see it, because I don't think I'll really like it that much. I was pleasantly surprised with the first two movies, and I actually gave them each 4.5 star ratings (because they're great 'feel-good' musicals actually). So I had higher hopes for this one, but the trailers still didn't sell me on it, and I was definitely not pleasantly surprised with it (when I did see it, on opening night). I really wish they would have stopped after 2!

8 January 2018 First Film of the year and first Film of Choice at The Plaza Dorchester Tonight - Pitch Perfect 3. So I hadn't seen the first two, I thought I better catch up, one mega acapella binge watching session later I'm fully caught up and ready for the third instalment. It didn't really matter much about the plot which was probably just as well, as long as the music entertained........and I reckon they didn't do too bad. This instalment sees the Bellas all grown up and beginning to make their way in the world, only it seems they can't make it without their acapella sisters. A little regret on parts of each of the girls makes them jump at the chance to take part in entertaining troops on the USO European tour. It's all the old crew with Beca and Fat Amy leading the way, add some competition in the form of a lean mean girl band, a rock/country group and put them slap bang among aircraft and helicopters on a selection of US naval bases and you have a fun light-hearted film which is guaranteed to keep your feet tapping throughout. Rebel Wilson is gloriously unfazed by all she says, sings and does and the whole film is once more led graciously by Anna Kendrick from disaster to singing magnificence as the film reaches its crescendo. You can almost keep your eyes closed throughout as the music is bouncy and easy to listen to, and ever so slightly leaves you wanting more. Aca-enjoyable.

I'm a surprisingly big fan of the 'Pitch Perfect' series. I even enjoyed the first sequel more than the original. This time around though I don't think they got it quite right. There's a giant glaring hole in the middle of the film and that is an almost complete lack of a plot. Sure, one is kind of thrown in there near the end as an after-thought, but by that stage it's too late. The whole thing just feels like an excuse for these guys to perform more songs. Now, I'm not saying there's anything wrong with that, but when you can have both it's disappointing for it not to be there.

Otherwise though all the things that made the first two great are still present. 'Fat Amy' is still in terrific form. Apart from the two commentators she really is 95% of the comic relief the film has, but she manages to carry it no problem. The character works really well and I'd have no problem seeing a spin-off for her. The songs were also good for the most part, but perhaps there weren't quite as many bangers as in the original two films. Not having the boys acapella band this time around I think quite hurt the film.

'Pitch Perfect 3' isn't a bad film by any stretch of the imagination, I just don't think it can live up to the high standards set by the first two. If this is the last edition in the series though I think they can hold their heads very high, with a fine trilogy having been produced.

Pitch Perfect 3 is your typical musical for teenage girls, not a particularly good film, but a most definitely enjoyable one filled with silly but humorous jokes, and witty dialogue.

The plot of Pitch Perfect 3 is so ridiculous and boring, but the comedy factor manages to make up for it, supplying the audience with constant laughs, particularly from Fat Amy played hilariously by Rebel Wilson, who can be irritating at some points, which is where the film suffers, however most scenes involving her are usually the best moments.

The lead character Beca, played wonderfully by the excellent Anna Kendrick, is also a high point in the film. Kendrick manages to carry the rest of the cast, mostly filled with mediocre performances, and stand out above them all due to the sassy, smart but adorably innocent character she plays. She's someone the audience can root for, and is easily likeable. However, a lot of the supporting characters aren't quite as pleasant or loveable...

Kay Cannon's script is of average quality but entertainingly witty. Some lines of dialogue are more cringe worthy than Anakin and Padme's romance in 'Attack of the Clones' (and that's saying something!) but you can't help but forgive such embarrassing dialogue and love it, because that's what makes it fun!

The direction is, again, average but the pacing is surprisingly flawless. There isn't one point that feels dragged or rushed, and the flow stays very consistent throughout. With a minimal runtime of just 93 minutes, there isn't much time for slow story building and development like Blade Runner 2049, but you couldn't expect much more from a film like this.

Like I said, the performances from the supporting cast are mediocre at best, but, once again, you wouldn't expect Oscar worthy portrayals in a teen musical like this one! The cast work well with what they've got, but what they've got isn't much. However, you can tell they have great chemistry, and enjoy working together.

The cinematography is unnoticeable, which would make it average, and just blends in. No IMAX mind-blowing wide shots or expert special effects, but maybe that's a good thing. There aren't any mind-numbing distractions, so you can just enjoy the bare bones simplistic structure, and there's nothing wrong with that at all!

Because it's a musical, it's going to contain music and dance. Was it good? Well I'm no singing expert, but it seemed alright to me... Some of the songs were embarrassing and plain cringe worthy, but you can't bash the effort the actors put into the routine, which displays their dedication, and just proves they want to make sure the audience have an exciting time.

There is also a stereotypical, unnecessary villain played by John Lithgow, who fits all the criteria for a cliché mastermind bad guy. There really was no reason for him to be there, and literally doesn't develop the plot in any way, and only has some relevance in the last fifteen minutes.

This is one of those movies that would be considered a guilty pleasure. You know it's not a great film, or the best of the year, nor does it try to be, however there is so much fun to be had with Pitch Perfect 3, filled to the brim with light-hearted humour which is simple, laid back and clean. A perfect family friendly movie and one that can be enjoyed by everyone.