Alvin and the Chipmunks

January 17, 2008

Rated: PG Runtime: 92 min Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Let’s have some fun! Alvin and the Chipmunks is the animated cartoon brought to life, along the lines of Scooby, Underdog, Garfield and other cartoon animals gone celluloid. I know what you might be thinking: “Another cartoon animal graphically imposed in and around live action … but the others were so bad!” Yes, they were. However, this one is different in that most (if not all) sequences involving the furry critters are very well done.

chipmunks.jpgAlvin, Simon and Theodore … did you catch yourself humming the tune? … are minding their own business preparing for the winter when they find themselves suddenly uprooted and moving to the city. Through happenstance they end up with Dave and the fun begins. (By the way, Jason Lee is Dave, he of the “My Name is Earl” fame. I knew I recognized him, but I didn’t realize just how annoying he is.)

The three chipmunks are the same curious “kids” they have always been in the cartoons, always finding ways to turn neat into messy, and with a certain munkish charm. They fall into a nice routine with Dave, singing and playing, but there has to be a villain, right? “Uncle Ian” (of Jett Records) is predictably self-serving and even more so when he learns the chipmunks can sing. He proceeds to do all he can to make as much money as possible on their munky grooves.

The chipmunk story grows weary in parts (and is moderately predictable) and the director tries to cover the lulls with cute chipmunk antics. In some cases … it works. In others … not so much. The movie was entertaining overall but one which I should have waited for the DVD release. It was, however, a great father-son day, so because of that time spent together, I’ll give it 3 stars (instead of 2).

Posted by Scott Riddick | Filed Under 3 Stars, Cameron Richardson, Comedy, David Cross, Jane Lynch, Jason Lee, Justin Long, PG, Theatrical 

Seen it? How many stars do you give it?

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (2 votes, average: 2.5 out of 5)
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Comments

2 Responses to “Alvin and the Chipmunks”

  1. Eppic on January 17th, 2008 9:18 pm

    Seriously? A review for Alvin and the Chipmunks? For shame!

    When 3 of 5 categories score 0, is it even worth acknowledging you saw the movie?

  2. Scott Riddick on January 18th, 2008 12:20 am

    In retrospect, I think maybe T&A could have been a 2 or 3, because Dave’s girlfriend is delicious. (Of course, you don’t see anything!) In fact, can I get it changed?!

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