The film series seems to have matured along with its characters, providing a nice way to complete the story.
Reuniting the Bellas for one last time, Pitch Perfect 3 is entertaining and just about has enough life in it to make it worthy of having been made in the first place, allowing the characters a proper and somewhat mature way to move on with their lives.
But the film sticks to its familiar format from the first two films, involving a singing competition with the winner being able to open for DJ Khaled at a concert. While this is a format that has worked previously, in this latest film it does feel like a slightly tired concept – even if there is a bit of a twist towards the end.
Director Trish Sie and writers Kay Cannon and Mike White seem to have dialled down on the silliness allowing for more character depth and more poignant moments – particularly when both Fat Amy (Rebel Wilson) and Aubrey (Anna Camp) have father related issues that allows for more vulnerability for the characters to shine through.
While it might not be empowering as many other female dominated films are, there is still no denying that it is still inspirational in the way that no matter what is thrown at the Bellas – whether it is accidentally burning down a hotel or a riff-off which goes wrong when the other competitors compete using their instruments, there is still a way to push through the obstacles to come through fighting.
The film’s core strength comes from the clear bond between all of the leading cast member. In particular Anna Kendrick and Rebel Wilson take control of the main situations well – without unnecessarily overshadowing the others to help form a natural team bond. It is also fair to say that the cast all have great vocals that make you sit up and pay attention including renditions of ‘Cake By the Ocean’ and ‘Toxic’ which are smart and sassy.
But perhaps it is fair to say that it is a good thing that this is the final film in the series as Pitch Perfect 3 does tend to run out of steam towards the end, wrapping things up nice and neatly to make sure that fans of the film are left relatively satisfied.
Overall, while Pitch Perfect 3 doesn’t offer any surprises it will certainly please fans of the previous offerings and provides enough entertainment to be enjoyable to watch.
By Emma Clarendon
Pitch Perfect 3 is available to buy now.