Movie Review … Pitch Perfect 3

Since 2011, the ‘Pitch Perfect’ series has been very popular. A simple tale of a group of female singers wanting to make it to the big-time has struck a chord with audiences.  Taking a leaf out of the current craze of countless TV singing and dancing shows, the combination of both delivers the goods for those wanting a fun musical comedy.  Returning for a third helping ‘Pitch Perfect 3’ aims to close the franchise with an aria of lyrical silliness before the final curtain.

Struggling to go on with their lives and work ‘real’ jobs, The Barden Bellas singing troupe feel lost.  When former member Aubrey (Anna Camp) plots to reunite the group for a European tour, her cohorts eagerly agree.  Among them are Becca (Anna Kendrick) and Pat ‘Fat’ Amy (Rebel Wilson).  Ready to battle it out with their voices, they hit various personal and professional obstacles.  Determined to win despite these hiccups, the ladies aim to band together to reach the high notes of victory.

‘Pitch Perfect 3’ plays like a comic-book superhero movie without the special powers.  It’s also without much substance as it loosely cobbles together a string of scenes without much depth. But you don’t see these films for that as they are meant to entertain providing a modicum of toe-tapping tunes.  It mostly succeeds even if the singing feels too slick and professional for these so-called amateur singers.  The story also groans under the weight of too many characters with several receiving short shrift.  Given the brief run-time, it may have been better to reduce the cast or a few of its many story-lines.

The franchise hasn’t been known for its acting with ‘Pitch Perfect 3’ having little of it. The women are there to look good while singing the auto-tuned heavy cover songs.  Only John Lithgow, as Pat’s father, stands out because of his truly appalling attempt at an Australian accent.  This gives a lot of unintentional humour and brightens up a rather pedestrian script.  Trish Sie’s direction comes alive during the well-staged song numbers with the lush cinematography wringing much from the European locales which successfully teases out their vibrant colours.

‘Pitch Perfect 3’ isn’t great but nor is it unwatchable.  If you want to see a bunch of ladies get up to musical hijinks then this is the film for you.  ‘Pitch Perfect 3’ is harmless fluff that at least isn’t boring with any bum notes vanishing before the melodic finale.

 

Movie Review Rating out of 10:  5

Movie Review by Patrick Moore

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Patrick Moore's Movie Review is an alternative look at movie releases in Australia.

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