Bell as go off-key
THIRD time’s not so much a charm. The first moviebackin2012was a burst of energy, vibrant and hit all the right notes with its likeable cast and a fun storyline. Let’s just say the girls of Barden Bellas brought cool into the world of a capella, and started a new wave of pop culture expression with words like “aca-scuse me” and “aca-awkward”. I loved everything about the first movie.
But it should’ve just stopped at that. The sequel was a flop and seemed to have lost its soul and harmony due to the cheesy plot so when news of a third instalment was on the way, I had my doubts.
While the movie had its fair share of funny moments, thanks to everyone’s favourite character Fat Amy (Rebel Wilson), it was almost like the movie displayed an encore of jokes nobody asked for, as if the writers didn’t know how else to spruce up the plot.
In this instalment, we follow the Bellas into adulthood. There’s Beca (Anna Kendrick) the leader of the Bellas, who has quit her demeaning job with a recording company. Meanwhile, Chloe (Brittany Snow) is trying to make her way into veterinary school.
Fat Amy makes a living impersonating Amy Winehouse but in the end, all are struggling to make ends meet. Discouraged by the demands of the real world, the Bellas reunite for a USO tour where they compete to serve as the opening act for producer DJ Khaled.
It wouldn’t be a movie without Elizabeth Banks and John Michael Higgins reprising their roles as the commentator duo.
This time, they join in the action as a documentary crew following the Bellas around on their tour.
I love the addition of new characters
Trish Sie
Anna Kendrick, Rebel Wilson, Anna Camp, Brittany Snow
94 minutes
PG 13
such as Ruby Rose, who plays the lead singer of Evermoist. Ultimately they become competitors, vying to win DJ Khaled’s heart.
We find the Bellas feeling threatened by the other more experienced musical groups. The USO tour also travel to four countries, taking viewers and the Bellas out of their college habitat and into the real world.
As the story progresses, some light is shed on the daddy issues that haunt Fat Amy and Aubrey (Anna Camp).
But Fat Amy’s daddy issues somehow almost take over the entire movie after her father kidnaps the Bellas. Quite honestly, the plot seems unfocused. I have expected the third edition to focus on the characters’ development but they are still fixated on the glory days of their youth.
While the songs and mashups are as lively as ever, the similar energy and choreography make it repetitive and a little stale.
Despite the rehashing of jokes, the conclusion is heart-warming. At the end of the day, all the themes that define the franchise are there: Sisterhood, teamwork, the power of friendship, empowerment and how music unites all.