Pitch Perfect 3 is the conclusion to a trilogy that honestly didn’t need one. I can’t precisely remember why I enjoyed the first two only to say that I did (according to my ratings on IMDb) but this one was pointless and even the music doesn’t overcome a disorganized plot, even though the cast at least seemed to be having a good time.
Pitch Perfect 3
(2017)
Genre(s): Comedy, Music
Universal | PG13 – 93 min. – $44.95 | March 20, 2018
Date Published: 03/17/2018 | Author: The Movieman
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THE MOVIE — 2.75/5 |
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“Last call pitches.” The trilogy that I doubt many people wanted has now been completed. Of course, it’s no surprise there’d be a Pitch Perfect 3 considering its predecessor did manage to surprise taking in $287M worldwide on a mere $29M budget. I think I generally had enjoyed the first two films, I said “I think” because can’t exactly recall what the hell happened in either of them. And something tells me I probably won’t remember this one either in a day or two.
The plot as best I can tell finds the Bellas reuniting a few years after the sequel, each one learning to lead normal, regular lives off stage. Beca (ANNA KENDRICK) was a music producer before she quit; Fat Amy (REBEL WILSON) does basically nothing, though has “worked” as a Fat Amy Winehouse; and the filmmakers don’t exactly delve that deeply into the others’ personal lives. Not that it matters as the movie more or less revolves around these two characters. The Bellas are invited for what they thought was a reunion by Emily (HAILEE STEINFELD), now a senior and leading the Barden Bellas, but turned out to be more of a get together with her sing with the group. Afterward, they’re gathered around the bar when Aubrey (ANNA CAMP) suggests the Bellas get back together on the USO tour as she can get them in with her father being a high ranking military official. So they decide to use the opportunity for one last chance to sing together.
Upon their arrival, they discover there’s a competition involved where the winners would open for superstar rapper DJ Khaled (as himself); they must go up against a country-pop group and a trio girl band, the latter led by “Calamity” (RUBY ROSE), though these are not acapella but traditional bands. Oh, and along for the ride are Bella critics John (JOHN MICHAEL HIGGINS) and Gail (ELIZABETH BANKS) who are making a documentary film. As you can imagine, the story is on the thinner side and what is there is a bit haphazard, such as the introduction to Fat Amy’s criminal father (JOHN LITHGOW) who arrives back into her life but has ulterior motives. In any case, the music (covers) were fine I guess but the whole concept that made the first two movies big, that really began with the TV series Glee, has grown tired and there’s really nowhere you can take characters who, outside of 2 or 3, were underwritten.
That said, I did manage to chuckle at a couple of the jokes and didn’t find Rebel Wilson very annoying or obnoxious, although she’s like Melissa McCarthy or Zach Galifinakis meaning they only have one type of humor and are limited in their ranges, while McCarthy I think has a chance to be something better. Pitch Perfect 3 isn’t quite lazy as at the very least, kind of like Ocean’s Twelve, you got a sense the cast were having a good time together, even if the story, and writing as a whole, were weak. I suppose die-hard fans will get something out of this, otherwise skip. |
SPECIAL FEATURES – 3.5/5 |
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This release comes with a glossy, title-embossed, slip cover and inside is a slip with the redemption code for the Digital HD copy. Audio Commentaries:
Although both of these are nice and each offering a different perspective on the production with Sie giving insights on the directing process while the latter takes us behind-the-scenes. Shame they couldn’t get some of the cast to do one given this was their final movie. New Musical Performances (4:24; HD) – Here we get two performances that obviously were cut from the film… and for good reason. Extended Musical Performances (8:50; HD) are for extended footage for the competition bands. Deleted Scene (1:01; HD) isn’t anything special, a scene between Aubrey at Amy’s door, likely cut for pacing, or that it was entirely pointless. Gag Reel (3:22; HD) is filled with line gaffs and the cast just having a fun old time. Competition Crescendo (6:37; HD) – This featurette is on the riff-off scene. A Capella Action (3:15; HD) looks at the filming of the unusual action scene and the creation of the yacht on stage. The Women of Pitch Perfect 3 (4:21; HD) profiles the women in front and behind the camera. Don’t Mess with Rebel (4:27; HD) – This featurette focuses on Rebel Wilson and her fight sequence. The Headliner: DJ Khaled (3:01; HD) is on the famous singer/songwriter and his “role” in the movie. The Final Note: John and Gail (2:22; HD) looks at the lively characters portrayed by John Michael Higgins and Elizabeth Banks. Just Because He’s a Bad Guy… (1:54; HD) briefly focuses on John Lithgow’s character. The Final Performance (4:30; HD) breaks down the big scene at the end of the movie and the cast offers their thoughts on it being the end of the Bellas. “Freedom! ’90 x Cups” Music Video (2:36; HD) – A mix of George Michael’s ‘Freedom’ and the ‘Cups’ song, sung by the cast. |
4K VIDEO – 4.5/5, BD VIDEO – 4.5/5 |
| Pitch Perfect 3 acapellas onto 4K Ultra HD presented in its original 1.85 theatrical aspect ratio and the 2160p high-definition transfer does look great on the format, albeit not exactly brilliant, though colors are bolstered by the HDR10 dynamic range while detail is well defined. The Blu-ray is no slouch either and the only major difference was it’s not quite as sharp but still looks great, so if you haven’t upgraded to the 4K format, the Blu-ray still is excellent. |
AUDIO – 4.25/5 |
| Both the 4K and Blu-ray discs comes equipped with a DTS:X track that does benefit from the musical numbers and singing segments and dialogue does come through with clarity but everything else, including the explosion, doesn’t relatively have the impact although the fronts and rears did somewhat come alive. |
OVERALL – 3.0/5 |
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Overall, Pitch Perfect 3 is the conclusion to a trilogy that honestly didn’t need one. I can’t precisely remember why I enjoyed the first two only to say that I did (according to my ratings on IMDb) but this one was pointless and even the music doesn’t overcome a disorganized plot, even though the cast at least seemed to be having a good time. This 4K/BD release from Universal offers up great video/audio transfer and an okay selection of bonus features. |
Check out some more 1080p screen caps by going to page 2. Please note, these do contain spoilers.