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Film Gecko

"Alvin & The Chipmunks" Review & Trailer

by Jane Boursaw on April 1st, 2008

Movie: “Alvin & the Chipmunks	On DVD:	April 1, 2008
MPAA Rating: PG for some mild rude humor	Gecko Rating:

DVD Extras: Chip-Chip-Hooray! Chipmunk History; Hitting the Harmony: The Chipmunk Music; Inside Look: Horton Hears a Who; Trailers: The Seeker - The Dark is Rising, Nim’s Island, Ace of Hearts, and more.

Review: 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 centers on their vintage tune, “The Chipmunk Song,” but also blends in new songs like “Bad Day,” “Funkytown,” and “Follow Me Now.” Maybe I’m a dork, but I thought this movie was very cute and fun for kids and adults.

The story begins in the forest, with Alvin (voiced by Justin Long)…

Read on and watch a trailer…

…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, the chipmunks end up in a basket of muffins that Dave has swiped in disgruntlement.

Back at his house, he discovers them and decides 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. So they make a deal to live with Dave in exchange for singing the tunes. The ‘munks are 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 love interest 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.

PARENTS SHOULD KNOW:

Profanity: Some suggestive language, like “Make love to the camera,” “She wanted you,” and “You’re hot.” Also a few insults between the chipmunk brothers.

Sex/ Nudity: Background singers dress in tight outfits and dance suggestively. The chipmunks try to “romance up” Dave’s place (music, lighting) when a girl comes over for dinner.

Violence/Gore: The chipmunks fall out of a tree, dodge crowds in an office building, and trash a house. Dave gets bonked on the head and passes out. Security guards try to ban him from a concert.

Theatrical Trailer: