Pitch Perfect 3 (2017)

So many movies end with trite sentiments about “family” and “sisterhood” but it doesn’t feel forced here. It looks like these performers are genuinely enjoying themselves, and it’s infectious.

Fans will find just enough heart-swelling moments involving friendships and family to enjoy one last group hug.

It’s half-assed in every way but cast retention; almost all the major female characters return.

Some of the goofier bits from Pitch Perfect 2 has been excised, and this latest entry focuses more firmly on the bonds between the ladies after its somewhat mean-tipped predecessor, though it never hits the girl-powered highs of the original. But mostly, it’s yet another unholy mashup of disparate tones that’s never as fun or frisky as the original material.

Pitch Perfect 3 tears up the rule book for the franchise but sadly all the rules in it are what made the original work so well and the second film work well enough.