‘Pitch Perfect 3’ not the high note of the series

The tour also ends up being a competition, of course, overseen by DJ Khaled, who cameos as himself. It’s an overwrought setup that the screenplay by Kay Cannon and Mike White tries to justify with self-aware quips like, “That was a lot of exposition.”

The Bellas are woefully outmatched by their competitors, who all play instruments as well as sing. The group’s main rival is the awesomely named Evermoist, an all-female band fronted by actress Ruby Rose, who could have used a bigger role.

Thankfully, music remains a highlight here. There are the requisite riff-offs and playful pop covers. The “Toxic” routine that opens the film is outstanding.

Mysteriously in tow on the USO tour are a cappella commentators Gail and John (Elizabeth Banks and John Michael Higgins), who presided over past “Pitch Perfect” competitions. The snarky duo has always openly doubted if not downright hated the Bellas, but now they’re apparently making a documentary about the group, which is weird.

The story goes over the top with John Lithgow, who shows up with an extreme Australian accent as Fat Amy’s estranged dad. There are also a couple of romantic subplots that don’t really pay off, although the meetcute between mostly mute Lilly (Hana Mae Lee) and a silent DJ (D.J. Looney) is a surprise treat.

Where the previous films painted the Bellas as scrappy underdogs, here they’re kind of sad sacks who can’t cope with adult life. That’s a real challenge for anyone after college, but fans of the Bellas know they have their friendship to fall back on. In the “Pitch Perfect” world, that’s what a cappella competitions are all about.

“Pitch Perfect 3,” a Universal Pictures release, is rated PG-13 by the Motion Picture Association of America for “crude and sexual content, language and some action.” Running time: 94 minutes.

Two stars out of four.