Alvin and the Chipmunks
By Karen WilsonAverage User Rating:
MPAA Rating: PG for some mild rude humor
Theatrical Release: December 14, 2007
Genre: Comedy
Runtime: 92 minutes
Plot Synopsis: A struggling songwriter Dave Seville (Jason Lee) discovers three singing chipmunks after they follow him home in a muffin basket. Inspired by Alvin, Simon and Theodore’s love of Christmas, Dave writes and records “The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don’t Be Late)” with the singing brothers and it’s an instant success. The four settle into a quiet home life filled with toaster waffles and making music. But, the scheming record exec Ian (David Cross) wants to separate the chipmunks from their new surrogate dad so he can fully exploit them for their hit making and merchandising potential.
Sex/Nudity: Dave and his quasi girlfriend Claire are having a romantic dinner so Alvin, calling himself the Love Doctor, puts on Barry White and dances around.
Violence/Gore: Some cartoonish violence, like when Dave first discovers the chipmunks hiding out in his cupboard or at the film’s climax when the chipmunks try to escape from evil Ian.
Profanity: Some cursing light, such as when Alvin tells Ian to “kiss my furry cheeks,” and a couple of fart or chipmunk poop jokes.
Will Kids Like It?
Older tweens and teens won’t have patience for this simple story of three singing chipmunks making it big in show business, but it’ll be a good holiday diversion for the younger set. In particular elementary school age children should enjoy watching Alvin, Simon and Theodore making elaborate messes in Dave and Ian’s houses and may rock out to their musical performances of catchy Chipmunk songs like “Witchdoctor” and “Funky Town.”
Will Parents Like It?
Parents who loved the chipmunks as children may enjoy humming along to the familiar tunes and hearing that familiar "Allll-vin!" shout, but the juvenile jokes and simple storyline won't be as hilarious to them as it might be to the kids in attendance.
Kaboose Review: Nearly 50 years ago, struggling songwriter Ross Bagdasarian had the brilliant idea of recording his voice on a slowed down tape recorder and then playing it back at normal speed, bringing to life the high-pitched singing group Alvin and the Chipmunks. Named for three record executives, Alvin, Simon and Theodore quickly conquered the zeitgeist with hit singles and television appearances on The Ed Sullivan Show.
Many parents may also fondly remember the animated television series on NBC, which ran from 1983 to 1991 and featured three girl chipmunks, the Chipettes as well. Now the Chipmunks have traded in their ankle-length, lettered turtlenecks for slightly hipper hoodies in a new live action and CGI animated feature film directed by Tim Hill (who previously brought the world Garfield 2: A Tail of Two Kitties). The similarly simplistic and straightforward story rests on the shoulders of Jason Lee, a former professional skateboarder turned TV comedy star (My Name Is Earl), who plays in total earnest songwriter Dave Seville. After their home in the forest is cut down for Christmas decorations, Dave discovers the three chipmunks snacking in his cupboard and tries to get rid of them—until he discovers they can harmonize like angels and dance like a furry boy band. In exchange for room and board, Dave talks the brothers into performing his songs, but what these young woodland creatures really want is to be a part of a family.
It turns out these pop culture savvy rodents are actually irresponsible youngsters and like any little kids would they watch cartoons, make messes, love Christmas, and enjoy a hot toaster waffle. They also want Dave to be their Dad. But Dave isn’t sure that family life is for him, and so the greedy record exec Ian Hawk (another indie comedian, David Cross) lures the chipmunks away from living with stodgy Dave to Ian’s “no rules” mansion, where he can get the chipmunks to churn out the hits.
The movie then turns into a predictable parable about the evils of merchandising but young kids will probably tune out these clichéd lessons from the boring final half hour. What will stick in their minds, and yours, will be the charming way these happy go lucky animated creatures move in sync on the dance floor and their still ubiquitous hit song, “Christmas Don’t Be Late.” Chances are you’ll be humming that darn “me, I want a hoola hoop” lyric for days to come.
Directed by: Tim Hill
Cast: Justin Long (voice of Alvin), Matthew Gray Gubler (voice of Simon), Jesse McCartney (voice of Theodore), Jason Lee (Dave Seville), David Cross (Ian Hawk), Cameron Richardson (Claire)
Karen Wilson is a freelance writer living in New York City.
Star Rating
1.5 Stars