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Movie Review: Alvin and the Chipmunks- good family fun
12/16/07
Considering its inspiration, Alvin and the Chipmunks isn't nearly as annoying as you'd think. In fact, if you go in with the expectation of seeing a well-made, inoffensive, and fun movie, you'll leave quite content.
The plot is fine for movies based on television shows, cartoons, or, in this case, a hit song. Dave (Jason Lee) is a somewhat irresponsible ad-man and songwriter who gives up on music after a rejection by his friend, music executive Ian (David Cross). On his way out of Ian's office, the Chipmunks, who entered the office on a Christmas tree- formerly their forest home- get into the muffin basket Dave stole.
Dave eventually discovers their presence and befriends the Chipmunks despite their penchant for trouble: The Chipmunks get Dave fired by writing "Theodore's but" on his ad pitch posters and ruin his date with his improbably beautiful neighbor, Claire (Cameron Richardson), when Alvin tries to help the romance along with some chipmunk love secrets. Dave's fortunes turn around when he discovers that the Chipmunks can sing. The conflict arises when Ian attempts to exploit the Chipmunks in an uncaring manner- unlike Dave who exploited them, but also allowed them plenty of rest.
Alvin and the Chipmunks is solid entertainment. Jason Lee is OK, but David Cross is better as a slick music huckster. The stars, of course, are the Chipmunks and the special effects department does a good job bringing them to life. Alvin is the cool one, Simon is the smart one, and Theodore is the overweight chipmunk that "fell out of the tree at birth." They're very funny. Highlights include Alvin singing My Goodies while showering in the dishwasher and the Chipmunks' Christmas romp with new toys.
Unfortunately, the now-de rigueur fart and poopy jokes are present.
The tender moments succeed, mostly. I heard sighs when Theodore crawls into Dave's bed after a nightmare, a scene that acts as one of the movie's lynch pins. In a clever move, the writer's use the acceptance of children into a parent's bed to contrast Dave and Ian and, therefore, to provide enough justification for the Chipmunks to leave Ian: While Dave let's Theodore into his bed, later in the movie, Ian kicks Theodore out.
The music is entertaining and the dance moves are good as well. Only purists will lament the funked-up Chipmunks. Alvin and the Chipmunks wraps things up nicely and the audience applauded at the closing credits.
I suppose I can bring up some faults like the decidedly un-naive behavior of forest creatures, the unsatisfactory (but unobtrusive) romance, and the rapidity with which relationships develop, but why bother? Your kids won't. You have a feel-good Christmas movie- be grateful.
On a side note: Fathers deciding whether to take their kids to this movie shouldn't hesitate. Besides the neighbor, of particular interest to you will be a Paris Hilton-looking maid (bow chicka wow wow chicka wow wow! to paraphrase Alvin), and some office workers.
Message/Politics:
A good loyalty theme is present.
Alvin and the Chipmunks goes out of its way to point out that the Chipmunks are children which rationalizes the need for Dave or Ian's career/parental guidance.
*update. The maid is Xian Quon.
(credits below)
Follow up:
Directed by
Tim Hill
Writing credits
(WGA)
Jon Vitti (screenplay) and
Will McRobb (screenplay) &
Chris Viscardi (screenplay)
Jon Vitti (story)
Ross Bagdasarian (characters Alvin and the Chipmunks)
Cast (in credits order)
Jason Lee ... Dave
David Cross ... Ian
Cameron Richardson ... Claire
Justin Long ... Alvin (voice)
Jane Lynch ... Gail
Matthew Gray Gubler ... Simon (voice)
Jesse McCartney ... Theodore (voice)
Allison Karman ... Female Intern #1
Tiara Parker ... Female Intern #2
Kira Verrastro ... Female Intern #3
Veronica Alicino ... Amy
Beth Riesgraf ... Mother in Store
Kevin Symons ... Ted
Greg 'G-Spot' Siebel ... Photographer
Oliver Muirhead ... Butler
Jayden Lund ... Security Guard
Erin Chambers ... Press Coordinator
Jillian Barberie ... Herself
Chris Classic ... DJ
Eisaku Imura ... Japanese Doll
Adam Riancho ... French Doll
Axel Alba ... Spanish Doll
Rosero McCoy ... Choreographer
Alexis Boyd ... Dancer (as Alexis A. Boyd)
Kevin Fisher ... Dancer
rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Celestina ... Dancer
Nick Drago ... Dancer
Bryan Gaw ... Dancer
Melanie Lewis ... Dancer
Lisa Lee ... Band Member (uncredited)
Tags: alvin housekeeper, cleaning lady, housekeeper in chipmunks, maid
), 11:14:59 am, 682 words PermalinkCategories: Now playing at a theater near you :: 5 comments »
5 comments
I think everyone in the industry should be made to sit down and watch and rewatch Pixar films to see how family entertainment can be done without fart and poopy jokes.
Not a bad movie, but I agree the Chipmunks sound is more funked up than the Chipmunks from the 1980's cartoon. Updating the Chipmunks sound was ok, but not having the Chipmunks sing the intro song "Were the Chipmunks" from the 80's cartoon is a minus, maybe that will be in the sequel, and two songs that would be a nice addition would be "Rock N'Roll" duet with the Chipettes that was in the Chipmunk Adventure cartoon movie, and "Up Where We Belong" duet Alvin and Brittny from cartoon episode. Also where was Alvins trademark red hat, that to is a minus, he wore a red hat not a hoodie. Other than that it's not a bad movie. 
I'm a mother and I grew up with Alvin and the Chipmunks; I despise the hip hop transition but the thing is the chipmunks don't seem to like it either referenced to when they are rehearsing and Simon (?) says, "the new songs really aren't us.."It's a very good movie a lot better than Hannah Montana and rot like that. Fathers really shouldn't have any problem going because it's not boring or anything and it is humorous. You REALLY don't need to go because of the 5 sec shot of the maid I mean come on.. that's just sad.
Thanks, you found out who is the maid, since at imdb and wikipedia I can't find it.
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Sad part was that the maid was the best part of the movie. The chipmunks don't at all resemble or act quite like the 50's or 80's versions. And the hip-hop songs really do it a dis-justice. It's the purity and earnest songs that made it fun. 
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