Story
This is the third and final instalment of the Pitch Perfect trilogy. The Barden Bellas are an a cappella singing group. They achieved fame and success in their college years but have now graduated and moved on with their lives. When they meet for a reunion, they realise how much they miss performing together and decide to do one last tour as a group. Aubrey (Anna Camp) uses her family connections with the American military to get the Bellas a spot on the United Services Organisation tour, competing with three other bands to win the chance to support DJ Khaled in the final concert. For the first time, the Bellas find themselves with the challenge of competing against musicians who use instruments, not just their voices alone.
On the first leg of the tour, Amy (Rebel Wilson) is surprised by the arrival of her estranged ex-criminal father from Australia who has spent years tracking her down. Because of his shady past, Amy finds it hard to trust him and senses that he might have ulterior motives. And as the tour comes to a close, Beca (Anna Kendrick) is confronted with a difficult choice about her future.
The Bellas must pull together and use their wits and singing skills to make it through to the end of the competition, despite many unexpected and dramatic events.
Themes
Singing groups; competition; relationships; personal growth
Violence
Pitch Perfect 3 has some violence. For example:
Sexual references
Pitch Perfect 3 has frequent sexual references. For example:
- Two army officers walk towards the Bellas, and the women gaze at them flirtatiously, primping their hair. The scene is shot in slow motion, and has sexy music playing.
- Amy asks the officers whether they’ll be sharing a room, and going to first, second or third ‘base’ with them.
- One of the Bellas falls in love at first sight with someone from another band. He says, ‘You smell like Skittles. Can I taste the rainbow?’ She replies, ‘Oh you can definitely taste this rainbow’.
- The Bellas are competing against another girl band named ‘Ever Moist’. This prompts jokes like, ‘My Grandma’s in a band right now: it’s called Never Moist’.
- One of the Bellas finds herself holding the (clothed) breasts of another Bella as they hide together.
- There’s a close-up shot of a man grabbing his crotch.
Alcohol, drugs and other substances
Pitch Perfect 3 shows some use of substances. For example, the Bellas and other adults consume alcohol at bars or parties.
Nudity and sexual activity
Pitch Perfect 3 shows some nudity and sexual activity. For example:
- During their performances, the Bellas wear sexy clothing and use provocative dance moves, like running their hands over their bodies, twerking their hips and so on.
- Beca and a music producer share flirtatious and lingering glances.
Product placement
The following products are displayed or used in Pitch Perfect 3:
- ‘Beats’ by Dre headphones
- Urban Outfitters clothing company.
- the performer and producer DJ Khaled.
Coarse language
Pitch Perfect 3 has some coarse and crude language.
Ideas to discuss with your children
Pitch Perfect 3 is a silly and light musical comedy, which doesn’t take itself seriously and has some great one-liners and catchy music.
Although the movie will appeal to younger tweens and teenagers, it isn’t recommended for children under 14 years. You might find the frequent sexual references and coarse language inappropriate for your children.
The main message in this movie is that the support of friends is truly important and that real friends don’t hold each other back from success.
Values and ideas in this movie that you could reinforce with your children include the following:
- Growing up and moving on is part of life. Sometimes one phase of life must end before the next can begin.
- It’s important to trust your instincts and follow your dreams.
- Teamwork and sisterhood make you strong.
You could also talk with your children about:
- what it might feel like to have a dysfunctional relationship with your father
- how misogyny and gender stereotyping are handled in the movie – for example, why does the commentator John constantly joke about women not being capable of anything?