4 of 5

Write now Article Tools

SQUEAKY CLEAN FUN!
ALVIN & THE CHIPMUNKS
(G, general release)
*

So finally the famous squeaky voiced little fur-balls finally get the film treatment, roughly 50 years, 1958 to be exact, after they were originally created by one Ross Bagdasarian Sr. This creation spawned a series of hit novelty songs including "The Chipmunk Song" & their version of "The Witch Doctor" (enabled by the ingesting of helium balloons); a series of cartoons released in the 80's and other films as well. Anybody who hasn't heard of them, well, where have you been for the past 50 years?

Alvin & the Chipmunks start the film up a fir tree hoarding nuts & singing their own version of Daniel Powter's "Had a Bad Day" when they hear a strange buzzing sound. What's happening, I wonder? A logger is chopping down their beautiful home, and then whisks it off to become a Christmas tree in the fancy foyer of an LA record company. Meanwhile, struggling songwriter Dave (Jason Lee) comes to visit his friend Ian (David Cross), the chief executive of said record company, with a new song. His visit however is an unsuccessful one & he leaves with a rejection slip & 3 little stowaways in his basket of cakes!
When he gets back to his house, he decides to give up on his musical career all until he is distracted by the three lively rodents. Not only do the little critters talk but they also sing, much to Dave's surprise & delight. They come to a deal with Dave agreeing to let them stay on condition that they sing his songs! Very soon they become big stars, but the lures of fame overtake even woodland creatures when "Uncle" Ian sees potential, potential dollar signs in their novel look & musical ability. Trouble lies ahead for them until Dave realizes that he misses the little critters & enlists the help of Claire (Cameron Richardson) to try & save the day.
Lee (My Name is Earl) is extremely like-able as the down on his luck human foil for the tiny warblers whilst Cross (Arrested Development) & Richardson (Point Pleasant) do what s required of them as the nefarious record producer & pretty love interest respectively in this particularly lively; inoffensive & at times funny update of the classic cartoon characters. Oh and who can forget the Chipmunks themselves who are nicely animated & brightly voiced by Justin Long; Matthew Gray Gubler & Jesse McCartney as Alvin; Simon & Theodore respectively.
And as always there are lessons to be learned & morals to be thought, chipmunks like children need structure & the importance of family over fame! It's bright; snappy & "squeaky" clean (sorry I couldn't resist) entertainment that small children will love.

Learn more about this author, lyricalman.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Movie reviews: Alvin and the Chipmunks (2007)?
We want to hear your view. Write now!