Movie and Television Reviews

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)

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