Alvin and The Chipmunks - Review

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Length: 92 min

Rated: PG

Distributor: 20th Century Fox

Release Date: 2007-12-14

Starring: Jason Lee, David Cross, Justin Long (voice of Alvin), Matthew Gray Gubler (voice of Simon) Jesse McCartney (voice of Theodore), Cameron Richardson

Directed by Tim Hill

Produced by Ross Bagdasarian Jr., Janice Karman, Steve Waterman

Written by Jon Vitti, Will McRobb, Chris Viscardi

Visit the movie's Official Site!

Reviewed by Scott Gwin : 2007-12-13 04:12:22

Alvin, Simon and Theodore have been a part of American culture for nearly half a century. They’ve covered just about every genre of popular music, from the country stylings of Garth Brooks to the top of the pop charts with songs from Madonna and Michael Jackson. I’m not sure how many times the little guys have been reinvented, but the music has always been at the heart of their adventures, and this latest retelling sticks to that tradition.

There’s a little bit of something for everyone. Folks who grew up listening to The Chipmunks will be delighted by the return of classic songs like “Christmas Don’t Be Late” and “Witch Doctor”, both of which are cleverly woven into the plot. Youngsters who have never met the characters before (which shouldn’t be surprising since they haven’t been in theaters in over 20 years) will be excited and entertained by all the slapstick antics. Everyone else in between can enjoy the charming script and holiday-appropriate story about what’s really important in life. Pay no attention to those pathetic looking hip-hip posters that Fox is flashing everywhere; the movie isn’t that ridiculous.

This film isn’t the first for the trio, but it is easily their best, getting back to where it all began: a down on his luck musician and three singing chipmunks. Dave Seville (played by Jason Lee who, I’m sad to say, is the weakest acorn of the bunch) is just about to abandon his career as a song writer when he crosses paths with orphaned baby chipmunk siblings. To his surprise and good fortune, they just happen to be amazing singers and dancers.

Inspired, Dave brings them into his house, never imagining the massive levels of havoc that such little creatures are capable of wreaking. And yet, despite their unintentionally destructive ways, they do have a knack for music. In no time Dave’s songs and their voices begin sweeping the world. But, despite their musical partnership, the four begin to reach the inescapable reality that they’re becoming a family.

If the story ended there it would be a bit too schmaltzy, so the movie takes a page from the real world of child music celebrities to fill out the second act. Without regret or apology it takes a swipe at a music industry known for exploiting young performers as the Chipmunks find themselves lured away from Dave by a record company interested only in their ability to generate major amounts of cash.

Focused on glamour and greed, the studio markets the Chipmunk brand to frothing fans who wouldn’t recognize good music if they heard it. Over-worked, under-loved, and forced to sing ridiculous songs, the boys become victims of a frenzied industry bent on milking every last dollar out of them, no matter the expense or damage to the boys. Fortunately for the little guys, they have a father figure who loves them and manages to pull them back before their lives are destroyed. If only Britney Spear’s parents had been as loving as ol’ David Seville.

Alvin and the Chipmunks is wonderfully fun, even if it is a little creepy to hear Alvin singing the words to “Don’t You Wish Your Girlfriend Was Hot Like Me”. If you love The Chipmunks, this is a great new chapter to add to your memories; and if you’ve never really gotten to know them before, this movie is a perfect place to start.

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Ben Says:
December 13th, 2007 at 17:25
No offense, but I don't see how this film could deserve 4 stars. Even Rottentomatoes took down your review! It just seems a little bit too positive for this kind of movie. I usually withhold my judgement until I've seen the movie, but I refuse to pay for junk like this.

But seriously, 4 stars....

really?

JoshT Says:
December 13th, 2007 at 17:26
Not sure what you're talking about Ben. Scott's review is still on RottenTomatoes.

They don't take down reviews for being too positive.

Kris Says:
December 13th, 2007 at 17:26
Im a little surprised to hear this was thisa good, so that makes me happy... but theres no mention of the Chipettes... did they make it in?

Ben Says:
December 13th, 2007 at 20:15
Under Fresh on RottenTomatoes:

Bill Goodykoontz
Joe Leydon
Roger Moore
Steve Rhodes
Gene Seymour

Not seeing scott's. I saw it up originally as the first review they had up but now they've taken it down. Odd.

But yeah I was only being sarcastic about RT taking down reviews that are too positive. Who knows why they took it down...

JoshT Says:
December 13th, 2007 at 20:17
You're just missing it Ben. Search under Scott Gwin as a "critic" and you'll see it's still there. He's just not an RT approved critic, so his reviews don't normally appear in the tomameter listing (except when they don't have enough other reviews). And why you ask isn't he an approved Tomameter critic? Because he doesn't live in New York or LA.

Kim Says:
December 14th, 2007 at 19:10
The Chipettes were created for the cartoon in the 80s. They were not part of the origanal group. In 1958 it was just Alvin, Simon, Thedore and Dave.

JKH Says:
December 15th, 2007 at 21:45
My friend and I, who are both old enough to remember the originals, saw the movie today. We both enjoyed it immensely. The basic characterization was maintained, despite the modern music update. The only turnoffs for me were the gross-out humor incidents. Apparently such things are mandatory, regardless of how many times they've been used before.

Shan Says:
December 16th, 2007 at 19:07
it's looks adorable !!!!!!!!!

Jerald Says:
December 16th, 2007 at 21:47
This movie is childish

Lucy Says:
December 17th, 2007 at 00:37
I just saw the movie with my mom( I'm 24 by the way) and my sister, and not only did I think the movie was absolutly adorable, but while talking about it later all three of us remembered listning to and watching Alvin and the Chipmunks when we were little(a range of 7 to 20 years apart each). Seriously, its a childrens movie!! You have every right to not like it and express you opinions about it, but if your not even planning on seeing it, why must you put a damper on the spirits of those who are willing to give it a chance? I would say 4 stars is a very fair review. Kudos!!

Scott Says:
December 17th, 2007 at 13:49
To Ben:

I have to admit that I was just as skeptical as you when I went in, but I was surprised. Oh, and Rotten Tomatoes doesn't take down reviews just because they don't like your opinion. They, like most of us, respect the fact that movie reviewers are really just people who write down their opinions for other people to read. There is no "right" answer.

To Jerald:

Of course it's childish. Were you expecting "The Color Purple" with animated animals? I can't believe people are expecting this to NOT be a children's film. I didn't mention that in the review because I figured it was a given. If you killed your inner child long ago, stay away from the movie. You have nothing left inside you that will enjoy the movie.

Jerome Says:
December 17th, 2007 at 19:06
Even though I've read some reviews, I'd want to watch it this week, I'm a fan and i'm 23 and I remember the cartoon, so we'll see, it seems like a child's movie but i'm down to watch it!

Michelle Says:
December 20th, 2007 at 22:54
I think it looks adorable. I'm 32 and I can't wait to see it. To the people who are shocked that it is a children's movie? Shame on you for your ignorance. Note to all of you: Singing cartoon chipmunks = children will LOVE it = Children's Movie. (For future reference.) I am taking my inner 8 year old self with the family to see it. Hopefully Christmas if all goes well. Glad to see so many loved it. :)

xp Says:
December 21st, 2007 at 14:27
come on la.
this's a cartoon please.
you should know that it will be kiddy then why do you all still watched in the first place?
call yourself childish then.
i think the whole movie is cute and funny.
if you all expect something other then don't watch cartoon!

don't even know how to appreciate.

Max Ikbal Says:
December 23rd, 2007 at 15:15
Will watch the movie soon!

ale star Says:
December 26th, 2007 at 23:57
i love the movie its so funny alll ,my cusins love alvin and the chipmunks love the movie its, the best love.

chipmunks luver Says:
February 5th, 2008 at 19:23
Hey Ben! You can go poop land okay?
The Chipmunks are hackin' hotttttttttttt!
Who gives a crude what "rottentomatoes" says.
They can go bite a shovel!
Alvin and the Chipmunks deserves an octillion stars!
If the chipmunks were real I would like totally date them!

To the chipmunks:
Kiss Kiss!!!!!!!!! :) :) :) :)

To Ben:
Poo on U! :( (doo doo brain)

chipmunks luver\'s friend Says:
February 7th, 2008 at 03:21
chipmuncks rock my sox,
i agree with chipmunck luver, can we go on a double date with the rockin, awesome chipmuncks? sweat!
the chipmuncks are smexy!!!!!!
poop you!!!!!!!!!!

Aaron Says:
February 24th, 2008 at 15:28
Okay, this movie is hot! those little chipmunks are so fly!, No matter what Ben says. It ain't my fault he has no taste in little rodents that have entertained a people for many years;and why would you let RT speek for you? How about you get of your lazy butt, and go see the mvoie then we can talk.

pedro Says:
March 6th, 2008 at 18:06
oh, and i agree with the poster who complained about the gross-out moments. the poopy/raisin joke was hilarious, but the farting moment was totally inadequate and completely dispensable. yet it got the biggest laugh of the entire movie from the kiddywinks. go figure...

oh, and i'm 22 by the way. and as much as i want to kill my inner child, i can't seem to - it just comes back every time i watch toy story.

very, VERY glad this wasn't the disaster i thought it would be upon first seeing a poster. i was terrified, expecting a disaster of Garfield proportions. fortunately, i was proven wrong. there is a God after all. now can He please get me a blonde supermodel...?

Pedro Says:
March 6th, 2008 at 18:06
nice review. i was expecting at best mindless child fare, and at worst an assassination of beloved characters. what i was delighted to find was a wholesome, yet never schmaltzy family gem. oscar fare it may not be, but if you're a chipmunk fan, you'll certainly be happy. and if you have kids, take them to see it - they'll certanly enjoy the harmless and genuinely funny comedy moments, and they're sure to fall in love with the irrepressible chipmunks. even my sister, who is 16, got a few genuine hearty laughs out of this one (alvin showering in the dishwasher is priceless!)

my one complaint is the fact that the chipmunks are overly humanized towards the end of the movie. alvin playing arcade videogames don't fit in with his and his brother's earlier storing of toaster waffles for winter. yet, by keeping the chipmunks chipmunk-sized and throwing in some well-placed references to their life in the wild, the filmmakers stylishly over-rode this minor plot point.

somehow, i knew something in which jason lee was involved couldn't really be so bad...

overall, a nice, unpretentious little family movie for chipmunk fans and conscious parents alike.

my rating - 7/10.

Jo & Em Says:
March 17th, 2008 at 14:58
This film is ACE jo and em LOVE theordor hes rite cool

so stuff all the people that diss it

Divyes Says:
March 30th, 2008 at 16:06
Hey... i want to know who got Oscar for Alvin and the Chipmunks ... is he indian ?? can u tell me his name & about me.. mail me..i'll wait for it
"showdrp.sai@hotmail.com"
thankz

Michelle Says:
April 11th, 2008 at 15:16
Can't wait for the DVD to come out Monday!!!

Drake Says:
April 28th, 2008 at 21:16
This movie rocks!! Screw rottentomatoes, this movie is the best!

claudia Says:
November 11th, 2008 at 04:17
you should make alvin & the chipmuncks 2 me & my friends made up a song it goes like this:

Simon, Alvin : Therdor fell out of the tree @ bearth & thats not very smart,
Therdor, Alvin : Simon did the crazy dance because he peed his pance,
Therdor, Simon : Alvin splashed in the pool because he is so cool-cool.

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Alvin and The Chipmunks - Review

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