Movie: ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS

Rated PG for some mild rude humor

Runtime: 1 hr 32 mins

Genre: Children

Release Date: Dec 14, 2007
 
Synopsis: In this live-action/computer-animated movie of squeaky-voiced cartoon characters, three talking chipmunks get transported from their woodland habitat to the city, where they wind up in the home of Dave Seville, a struggling song-writer. Dave, to his pleasant surprise, learnt that the chipmunks can actually sing, and he realizes the potential of a singing chipmunk pop group.

He becomes a mentor/father figure to the chipmunks; Alvin (the feisty one), Simon (the brainy one) and Theodore (the dopey one).

The threesome goes on to cause chaos in Dave’s life, introducing plenty of fun and drama. But when a devious record executive enters the picture, the chipmunks have to deal with the allure of their fame, and their loyalty to the amiable, hapless Dave.

Basis: Alvin, Simon and Theodore have been a part of American culture for nearly half a century. This movie is an update/modernization of a wildly popular 50’s and 60’s show by Ross Bagdasarian of squeaky voiced cartoon characters, and it does not let down the legacy. It easily wins over a younger generation, although some of the older folks might find the idea of rapping chipmunks a little chilling.

Verdict: It is beautifully acted and filmed, but Alvin and the Chipmunks suffers from common humor and a rehashed kid’s movie formula. Like one woman says, I did not find it that interesting, but it had my daughter in stitches.

Director: Tim Hill

Starring: Jason Lee, David Cross, Cameron Richardson, Jane Lynch, Justin Long, Matthew Gray Gubler and Jesse McCartney

Screenwriter: Jon Vitti, Will McRobb, Chris Viscardi

Producer: Ross Bagdasarian, Janice Karman

Composer: Christopher Lennertz

Studio: Fox 2000 Pictures

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