Pitch Perfect 3

Films in this series:
“Pitch Perfect” (2012)
“Pitch Perfect 2” (2015)
“Pitch Perfect 3” (2017)

Trish Sie directs “Pitch Perfect 3” as Anna Kendrick stars as Beca. The story follows the a capella group named the Bellas. The group consists of Amy (Rebel Wilson), Chloe (Brittany Snow), Aubrey (Anna Camp), Lilly (Hana Mae Lee), Cynthia (Ester Dean), Florencia (Chrissie Fit), Jessica (Kelley Jakle), Ashley (Shelley Regner), Stacie (Alexis Knapp), and Emily (Hailee Steinfeld). The story takes place several years after they graduated college, with the exception of Emily who is a senior. The group seizes the opportunity to perform together again on a USO musical tour.
DJ Khaled With other bands present, they vie to be picked by DJ Khaled as his opening act. Along the way, they encounter problems with Amy’s father, cause a bit of mischief, and sing a couple of songs. That is it. The uninhabited and sometimes unconnected story is the first problem.

“Pitch Perfect 3” has a surprisingly short run time of approximately one hour and thirty minutes. Occupying the time are musical numbers and a lean plot. The movie tries to give fans resolution on characters, but instead has the characters give us verbal exposition on their future and past. This plot device pervades the film’s entirety, to the point of self awareness. A character mentions “that was a lot of exposition” in one such scene. The rest of the story feels disconnected. There is an entirely unnecessary subplot in which two characters film a documentary on the Bellas. The trailer advertises Beca conflicted about being loyal to her friends or taking an opportunity of a lifetime. The inner conflict lasts about thirty seconds before Beca makes her decision, and the movie proceeds to focus on Amy’s relationship with her greedy father.

The humor does not reach the heights the filmmakers wanted. During what should have been laughs are awkward silences. Some editing is meant to be stylistic, but is more often disorienting. Cinematography is diffident. The movie attempts to do too many things, and never does any of them justice.

The film reaches its heights during musical numbers. The a capella singing by the Bellas is excellent. The most touching scene in the film comes from the swan song at the end.

Content for Concern

Some of the songs performed, such as “Cake By the Ocean” and “Love Me Harder,” are sexually suggestive. Someone briefly mentions that they are Gay. Lilly finally claims she can speak because “Satan has left her.” The Bellas’ outfits show cleavage more often than not.

The film fills the rest of the plot with very crude humor. In aiming for a PG-13 rating, it never delves into anything explicit, but it is riddled with sexual innuendos. A character claims they like to “keep it oral” when describing a capella. Amy shows interest in 2 male officers by asking about advancing to the different military “bases” with the men—1st base, 2nd base and 3rd. Amy mocks one of the bands, Evermoist, by joking that her grandmother is in a band called “Nevermoist.” A character pushes Beca into hiding by holding onto her breasts. The Bellas are delighted with having separate rooms at a hotel and not having to “sleep on top of one another.” A character goes on to clarify “not in a sexual way, except that one time.” A character claims he can see another character’s “panties” and exclaims “but who hasn’t?”

Amy makes multiple jokes about her weight. These are the most overt examples of crude humor.

Language: “b*tch” (4), “a**” (1), “sh*t” (2), “d*mn” (2), “h*ll,” “oh my G*d” (4), “scr*w,” “b*ttcrack,”“ b**bs,” “t*ts,” “n*ps,” “v*gina,” “p*nties,” “cr*p,” “b*lls,” “sl*tty”

Sensuality/Sexual Content/Nudity: Suggestive scene involving eating candy and licking the wrappers. Stacie admits she is unaware of who fathered her baby. Brief mention of “camel toe.” Extras shown in swimwear at a resort. A man needlessly bares his chest to fight.

Alcohol/Drug Use: The Bellas drink at a bar. Brief joke about drug trafficking through concealment in a child’s stuffed animal. There is alcohol present in every party scene. Characters occasionally drink.

Violence: Most of it comes in a scene where Amy fights with several of her father’s henchmen. She uses a spatula, frying pan, and fire extinguisher in combat. One of the henchmen wields a knife. Amy gives a man a “t*tty twister.” A fire ensues at a hotel penthouse as bee’s escape and sting several guests. No blood or gore is present and violence is typically comical.

Relevant Issues

Amy and Aubrey both have absentee fathers. Amy ran away from her father to get away from his criminal activities, and Aubrey’s father is always absent due to work commitments. The Bible teaches us that having a family is special and important. Having a family is a gift from God that should be cherished—and requires our commitment to true love.

Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. —Psalm 127:3-5

Fatherhood cannot be taken lightly. It is a privilege granted by God, and our duty is to point those arrows in the right direction. We must rise to the task of taking responsibility for parenthood.

Stacy admits she does not know the father of her baby. Scripture warns us about the dangers of fornication and adultery. Sexual misconduct prevails in our society. Unfortunately, there are many children who grow up without a father. Often this is a product of fornication. God will is that parents be fully committed to their children and to each other.

Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. -1 Corinthians 6:18

Sexual immorality is unique in the physical and emotional harm it can cause oneself and others. The consequences of sexual promiscuity can include STD’s, unintentional pregnancy, shame, betrayal and regret. However, shame and regret does not have to last forever. When our actions are impure, we have a God who offers purity through the sacrifice of his son Jesus. God offers forgiveness from our sins if we repent.

Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be white as snow. —Isaiah 1:18

Have you accepted the free gift of salvation made available to you today?

Summary and Recommendation

Though the intention to give the Bellas a proper farewell is commendable, the execution of the film is not the best. The film lacks a sense of closure in the end, and the movie feels unnecessary. Due to its its crude humor, there would be little enjoyment for Christians. The convoluted plot and modest direction cannot be overcome by the excellent musical performances. Music is of particular importance in this genre, yet “Pitch Perfect 3” is a film that can be done without.

• Violence: Moderate to Heavy
• Profane language: Moderate
• Vulgar/Crude language: Heavy
• Nudity: Mild
• Sexual comments and behavior: Heavy

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