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!

Some years have passed, and the Bellas have graduated from college and moved on with their lives, or at least tried to until they reunite and realize that none of them are entirely satisfied with where they are. Attempting to rekindle their past magic they bound together, join a USO tour, and-while the rest is really left for the viewer to discover, the third time is definitely not the charm as this mediocre sequel throws out lots of unfunny lines, contrived scenarios, underwhelming musical numbers, and inane supporting characters, including Lithgow (seemingly trying to do a sendup of Crocodile Dundee) who looks like he belongs in a different film altogether. Padded and forgettable, this is a waste of good talent and definitely not the ending that this series deserves. *½

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 is a fun and entertaining sequel, but it's not the best in the series. The film is full of catchy songs, hilarious moments, and heartwarming friendships. However, the plot is a bit predictable and the characters don't develop as much as they could have.

The film's biggest strength is its music. The Bellas perform a variety of songs, from classic pop hits to original tunes. The songs are well-choreographed and performed, and they will have you singing along.

The film's humor is also on point. The Bellas are always getting into hilarious situations, and the film is full of quotable lines. The supporting cast is also great, with Rebel Wilson, Adam Devine, and Brittany Snow all giving memorable performances.

However, the film's plot is a bit of a letdown. The Bellas' journey to compete in an a cappella competition is pretty straightforward, and the film doesn't really offer any surprises. The characters also don't develop as much as they could have. Beca (Anna Kendrick) is still struggling to find her place in the world, and Chloe (Brittany Snow) is still trying to figure out what she wants to do with her life.

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.