Pitch Perfect 3
Pitch Perfect 3 is a 2017 American musical comedy film directed by Trish Sie in her feature directorial debut, written by Kay Cannon and Mike White, and serving as the third and final installment in the Pitch Perfect trilogy.[1][2] The film follows the Barden Bellas, an all-female a cappella group, as its members navigate post-college life and reunite for one last performance opportunity on an overseas USO tour organized by the United Service Organizations to entertain American troops.[3] Starring Anna Kendrick as Beca Mitchell, Rebel Wilson as Fat Amy, Brittany Snow as Chloe Beale, Anna Camp as Aubrey Posen, and Hailee Steinfeld as Emily Junk, among others, it was produced by Elizabeth Banks, Paul Brooks, and Max Handelman, and distributed by Universal Pictures.[2] Released theatrically in the United States on December 22, 2017, the PG-13-rated film runs for 94 minutes and emphasizes themes of friendship, personal growth, and musical performance.[1] The story picks up after the Bellas' victory at the 2015 International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella, where the graduates face unemployment and irrelevance in a world that values traditional music over a cappella.[2] Invited to perform on the USO tour, the group travels to various international locations, encountering a rival act led by DJ Calamity (Ruby Rose) that incorporates electronic instruments, challenging their vocal-only style.[4] Subplots explore Beca's career aspirations in music production, Chloe's pursuit of veterinary school, and Fat Amy's reconciliation with her estranged father (John Lithgow), blending humor, romance, and high-energy musical numbers featuring covers and originals like "Toxic" by Britney Spears and "Freedom! '90" by George Michael.[1] Principal photography began in Atlanta, Georgia, in January 2017, with additional filming in sites including France to depict the tour settings, some simulated in Georgia.[5] The ensemble cast includes returning performers such as Adam DeVine as Bumper Allen, Hana Mae Lee as Lilly Onakuramara, Chrissie Fit as Flo Fuentes, John Michael Higgins, and Elizabeth Banks as commentators.[2] The soundtrack, released by Republic Records, debuted at number 20 on the Billboard 200 and includes performances by the cast as well as collaborations with artists like Snoop Dogg and DJ Khaled.[1]) Pitch Perfect 3 received mixed reviews from critics, who praised the chemistry among the leads and the film's energetic musical sequences but criticized its formulaic plot and underdeveloped subplots, resulting in a 29% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 150 reviews.[1] Commercially, it was a success, grossing $104.9 million in North America and $80.5 million internationally for a worldwide total of $185.4 million against a $45 million budget, though it underperformed compared to its predecessors.[5] The film marked the end of the trilogy, which collectively revitalized interest in a cappella music and inspired live-action spin-off series such as Pitch Perfect: Bumper in Berlin.[6]Story and Characters
Plot
Following their victory at the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella two years prior, the Barden Bellas have graduated from Barden University and scattered into unfulfilling post-college lives, with limited career opportunities for a cappella performers. Beca Mitchell works a dead-end job at a record label in New York City, where her innovative music-mixing ideas are repeatedly rejected by her dismissive boss. Chloe Beale attends medical school but struggles with her passion for singing, while Aubrey Posen takes a rigid position in her father's strict corporate environment. Fat Amy returns to her hometown in Tasmania, and the rest of the group faces similar disillusionments, leading to a sense of disconnection among them.[1][3] The Bellas reunite at a bar when Emily Junk invites them to a performance, only to discover that the new freshman Bellas will take the stage instead, highlighting their obsolescence. Aubrey then reveals an opportunity arranged by her father, a U.S. Navy general: a spot on an overseas USO tour entertaining American troops in Europe, allowing the group one last chance to perform together. They accept eagerly, with Emily joining as the lone active Bella, and the group travels to their first stop in Spain. There, they meet fellow performers, including the professional a cappella group Evermoist, who use electronic instruments and quickly establish themselves as rivals by outperforming the Bellas in an impromptu riff-off. Chloe forms a romantic connection with a soldier named Chicago, while Beca catches the attention of Theo, a music producer scouting talent for DJ Khaled.[7][8] Tensions rise during training sessions, including a chaotic desert exercise where the Bellas mishandle weapons and explosives, underscoring their inexperience outside the performance world. Fat Amy's estranged father, Fergus, a notorious Australian crime boss, unexpectedly appears seeking reconciliation and a hidden $180 million heist fortune, drawing the group into danger. Meanwhile, Aubrey clashes with her father's expectations, Chloe weighs dropping out of medical school to pursue music, and Beca grapples with a career dilemma after Theo offers her a high-profile DJ internship that would require leaving the Bellas behind. The tour's performances further expose the group's vulnerabilities against instrument-backed rivals like Evermoist. Stacie Conrad gives birth to her daughter, Bella, providing a morale boost and symbolizing the group's enduring legacy.[3][7] The plot escalates when Fergus kidnaps most of the Bellas for ransom during a stop in France, forcing Beca to stall him with an a cappella rendition of "Toxic" while Fat Amy uses her self-taught karate skills and a makeshift bomb to orchestrate their escape, leading to Fergus's arrest and a heartfelt reconciliation between father and daughter. As the tour culminates overseas, the Bellas learn of a final a cappella competition against Evermoist for the opening slot on DJ Khaled's tour. Beca initially accepts Theo's solo offer but realizes her true place is with the group, leading them to blend a cappella with innovative production in their performance of "Freedom! '90," securing the win and reaffirming their bonds. In the resolution, the Bellas part ways on positive notes: Beca advances her producing career under Theo, Chloe pursues music full-time, Aubrey embraces a role as a birthing coach, and Fat Amy honors her heritage through tributes, ensuring the group's spirit endures.[8][9]Cast
Pitch Perfect 3 features an ensemble cast that builds on the core members of the Barden Bellas a cappella group from the previous films, with the characters now depicted as young adults struggling to find their places in the world after college graduation. The returning performers reunite for a U.S.O. tour abroad, highlighting their evolved dynamics and individual challenges in post-academic life.[1] The principal cast includes:| Actor | Character | Role Description |
|---|---|---|
| Anna Kendrick | Beca Mitchell | The group's leader and aspiring music producer, working a dissatisfying job where her creative ideas are overlooked, leading her to explore DJing opportunities during the tour.[10] |
| Rebel Wilson | Fat Amy (Patricia Hobart) | The comedic and bold member whose estranged relationship with her criminal father, Fergus Hobart (played by John Lithgow), is central to her personal growth.[11] |
| Brittany Snow | Chloe Beale | The optimistic and supportive co-founder of the Bellas, facing career uncertainties alongside her fellow graduates.[1] |
| Anna Camp | Aubrey Posen | The perfectionist former co-leader, who organizes the U.S.O. performance in hopes of gaining approval from her father. |
| Hailee Steinfeld | Emily Junk | The youngest member from the second film, continuing as the enthusiastic newcomer adapting to adult life.[1] |