That “jumping the shark” and “nuking the fridge” describe moments when a character’s actions become so unrealistic or improbable that they detract from the film’s overall coherence. (“Jump the shark” originates from a Happy Days episode where Fonzie jumps over a shark on water skis, while “nuking the fridge” refers to a scene in the fourth Indiana Jones movie where the protagonist survives a nuclear explosion by sheltering in a refrigerator.) This concept will be revisited later in the review.
In The Bellas, the characters have graduated from college and are now employed in unfulfilling jobs. Aubrey (Anna Camp) proposes a reunion and a comeback performance. They embark on a charity tour across the Atlantic. Upon arrival, they soon realize that a cappella singing alone will not be sufficient to overcome the challenges they encounter.
The Bellas prepare for their comeback.As a film reviewer, it’s not always possible to have prior knowledge of a franchise before evaluating a particular installment. Prior to seeing this film, I had no familiarity with Pitch Perfect. Consequently, I familiarized myself with the first two movies, which provided a more comprehensive context.
The Bellas lineup is complete, although Stacie (Alexis Knapp) is unable to participate due to her pregnancy, and Emily (Hailee Steinfeld) replaces her. Benji (Ben Platt), Jesse (Skylar Astin), and Bumper (Adam DeVine), from the previous films, are absent. Elisabeth Banks’ and John Michael Higgins’ commentator characters reach new levels of exaggeration, bordering on caricature. We are also introduced to Fat Amy’s (Rebel Wilson) estranged father, Fergus (John Lithgow), and this is where the film encounters significant issues. As readers of my Daddys Home 2 review know, I appreciate John Lithgow’s work; however, the extent to which an actor can be both an asset and a detriment to a film has rarely been so apparent. As previously stated, the film veers into absurdity. A viewer unfamiliar with the series’ established conventions might find this less jarring; however, Fat Amy’s sudden transformation into an action heroine, complete with fight sequences and an explosive finale, feels incongruous with the franchise’s generally realistic tone. While Lilly (Hanna Mae Lee) may have exhibited eccentricities in the past, this development is excessive. Furthermore, John Lithgow’s performance feels misjudged. He appears disconnected from the film’s tone, resembling a cartoonish caricature.
The competition is tough plus they get to use instruments!Rebel Wilson has expressed interest in a spin-off film centered on her character, Fat Amy, a prospect I find unappealing. I consider Fat Amy to be the least compelling aspect of the films. The stereotypical portrayal of the overweight character as loud, obnoxious (referencing the tent canvas scene in the second film), and generally irritating is tiresome. This film gives her the most screen time, suggesting a possible setup for a spin-off.
Anna Kendrick’s Beca, as usual, is conflicted between her career aspirations and her loyalty to the group, and, along with Fat Amy, occupies a central role in the narrative. The remaining characters are relegated to the background, with the recurring joke that Jessica (Kelly Jakle) and Ashley (Shelley Regner) are forgettable.
The first meeting goes so-so, you could say.The film’s strengths lie in its music and performance sequences, which, based on my research, are genuinely performed by the actors. The humor is also effective, eliciting several laughs. My rating would have been higher had I viewed the other two films beforehand. While the film features several well-executed scenes, including the action sequence, they feel out of place within the context of the series. Furthermore, Part Three is noticeably shorter than its predecessors, suggesting a lack of full commitment to its production.
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