movie review
Alvin and The Chipmunks
Classic Chipmunks Make Fun Comeback
I had to dig around in my mom’s cabinets, but reigned supreme in my quest to find a vintage Chipmunk album: Christmas With the Chipmunks, released in 1963. It’s the one with Alvin, Simon and Theodore in Santa’s sleigh with a pile of toys. Ah, that takes me back.
This movie is fun and musical and stays true to the original cartoon series, while adding a fresh, modern take on the loveable trio. The story begins in the forest, with Alvin (voiced by Justin Long), Theodore (Jesse McCartney), and Simon (Matthew Gray Gubler) collecting acorns for the winter, cheerily singing Bad Day. The chipmunks are computer-generated, but the rest of their world (most of it) is the real deal.
When their tree is rudely chopped down by woodsmen, the little guys accidentally get hauled into the big city, smack into an office complex where Dave Seville (Jason Lee, of My Name is Earl) is striking out yet again in his pursuit to sell songs to a record company. After a mad dash through the crowds, they end up in a basket of muffins that Dave has swiped in disgruntlement.
He discovers them back at his house, and thinks he must be losing his mind. Talking chipmunks? What the heck? So he tosses them out of the house, but has another thought upon hearing them croon outside the window. He’ll write the songs. The ‘munks will sing them. They make a deal to live with Dave in exchange for singing the tunes. They’re innocent, but not dumb.
And so it goes, with the message that perhaps a family doesn’t have to consist of blood relatives – or even the same species, for that matter. When the chipmunks fall under the spell of the rich-and-famous lifestyle – nudged along by cash-hungry record producer Ian (David Cross)—Dave has to step in and pull them back from the brink. He gets a little help from Claire (Cameron Richardson), who has a press pass into the events.
The chipmunks are cute as the dickens, and I’m happy to introduce my kids to the little guys I remember as a kid. This movie could have done without the provocative backup singers and poop humor, but overall, a good message about the importance of family, treating others respectfully, and learning that celebrities are rarely ever the happiest people on the planet.
Comments on Alvin and The Chipmunks
Thanks Jane. Love your blog! I loved the Alvin movie. Very cute. My 10 year old is crazy about Theodore! And she didn’t even know it was Jesse McCartney’s voice!
Posted by lisa on Dec 17, 2007
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