Alvin and the Chipmunks (2007) User Reviews (187)

Harmless fun for a young audience.

[EarthwormJimFan · 6/10 · 13 January 2008]

I grew up watching the 80's version of the chipmunks, so when I first saw the trailer to this predictable but cute live-action update, I was somewhat happy. Although I knew that the humor would be targeted at a crowd under 10 years old, I still wanted to see it, especially since the 1980's animated film THE CHIPMUNK ADVENTURE is still one of my all-time favorite animated films.

THE PROS: Well I went and saw it, and my expectations were met. It was more for younger kids, but it was throughly enjoyable. It was good to hear the Chipmunks sing their classic Christmas song, there were plenty of funny (but not hilarious) moments, and the Chipmunks themselves were well-animated and undeniably adorable (particularly Theodore).

THE CONS: The story is predictable (although typical for most kid's films nowadays). Jason Lee is badly miscast as the Chipmunks' long-suffering songwriter and adopted father, David Seville. Also the "romance" between Dave and his neighbor is too clichéd. We don't need some sort of love story in every single film in my opinion.

Overall, there is nothing brilliant about this film, but it's still fun. It ought to please young children and their parents.

BOTTOM LINE: It's no Citizen Kane, but it's more fun than a Hula Hoop.

Not too bad

[LazySod · 6/10 · 2 January 2008]

Alvin and the chipmunks. I guess just about anyone that has ever watched television cartoons knows them. Right before their 50th birthday they make another appearance, this time on the cinema screen in a film that just like Garfield (2004) combines live actors and computer graphics. The story of the film is no new one: a guy becomes the more or less unwilling host to the chipmunks as their tree is demolished and together they roll from one adventure into the other.

For the rest there is not much to tell about this film. It is worked out well enough and most kids will enjoy it. I know the one I watched it with did. It isn't half bad for the adults either. Graphics have been done well enough and the actors work with it well enough to make a nicely working film. Storyline is rather straightforward and very predictable, but not really to the point of being irritating.

All in all, typical children's film that works out well enough for the younger audience and that doesn't put the parents to sleep right from the start 6 out of 10 chipmunks singing

I was expecting much worse

[laci-5 · 5/10 · 5 December 2007]

A CGI+ live action movie from the director of Garfield 2.? Also, once again a movie with a loser "dad" character and some very bad children (okay, they are chipmunks but behave just as children as they are kids) like Daddy Day Camp and others? Actually, the chipmunks make all the difference and save the movie. What does not work with Garfield (warm Hollywood-emotions and the animal as a fast rock star-type) works perfectly with the chipmunks. Also their animation is never off-setting as it quite often was with Garfield. And even after almost 50 years, it still makes you smile to hear them singing. When you watch the trailer you can see that poo-eating part which I see is in the movie just to bring in that type of audience - I think it is a bad idea as it makes others think twice before buying ticket for this movie which has only one fart joke and this poo joke of this type of "humour". Otherwise it is watchable and the animated characters are even lovable (Jason Lee is not so great in this). It was a fun travel back in the time when I watched them as a child. Not a big movie, also there are problems with the pacing but it's much better than expected.

Surprisingly... bad.

[dramaqueenc1023 · 2/10 · 26 December 2007]

I went into this movie with semi-high expectations after loving the cartoon series in my childhood, and this nearly wrecked that love for me. Jason Lee, David Seville in the film, is horrifying. I understand it can't be easy to act with CGI characters who aren't actually there, but I really found his performance atrocious, along with all the other non-animated characters. The chipmunks were adorable, yet sometimes blatantly obvious at moving the plot of the story along, and therefore did not tempt me to stay in the theater for longer than half an hour into the film. If you feel you must see this film, rent it, at the most. It is NOT worth eight bucks to see it in theaters, unless you'd like a good laugh at the horrible acting.

Good Fun!

[katyzone · 7/10 · 22 December 2007]

Gotta kid? Then you know all about this movie cause that is all you hear about. It is all I heard about for the last week and so I finally saw it with my cousin who is a mother to a 7 year old- she really wanted to see it first. So, let me say this: There will be no problem letting her 7 year old watch it.

I kinda enjoyed it too seeing how I had to be dragged to it. But once there I was not bored and there seemed to be a crowd that apparently was expecting a treat of some kind as several appeared to be veterans of earlier showings who had then gone out and grabbed their posse to watch it again (only with them this time).

Nice way to spend a Saturday with the kids and grab a laugh or three. Anyway, I'll give it a thumbs up!

Painful Chipmunks

[freakfire-1 · 1/10 · 11 June 2008]

Sometimes things need to keep away from the 'big screen'. And this is one of those instances where cartoon is better as cartoon in 30 minute segments rather than a 90 minute CGI. Just like with the movie Garfield, the movie doesn't do anybody justice.

I guess the creators thought it would be cute for the Chipmunks to sing lots of popular music numbers created within the last 10 years. But I found nothing amusing with the destruction of songs I knew. Nor did I really feel there was any character development between Dave and his love interest. And where were the Chipettes?

The plot was corny and unbelievable. Somehow for the Chipmunks to attain such success rather quickly is just Hollywood interpreting life in an highly unrealistic way. Not only that, but it felt too superficial and boring. I wish kids would watch something else than this waste of time. "F"

Fast, Furry-ilicous, and Fun...

[intelearts · 6/10 · 28 December 2007]

Alvin and the Chipmunks should keep an eight year old pretty happy.

The Chipmunks are, of course, adorable, and Jason Lee does his usual character with usual aplomb.

The effects are amazing: they really are there. The music was fun, and overall it is silly and funny enough to make even adults laugh.

The surprise is how charming it all is.

We weren't sold on the plot (evil record producer takes innocent Chipmunks and introduces them to a crushing schedule) but we loved the set-up scenes.

Doesn't require any thought to enjoy and it is genuinely funny in places.

Even adults won't be annoyed...

Cute, but not cute enough

[Dragoneyed363 · 4/10 · 3 April 2008]

I certainly was not expecting a masterpiece when I was prepared to view Alvin and the Chipmunks, but I knew I was, at least hopefully, in store for a fun and enjoyable time. Now, having seen the film more than once, sometimes unwillingly I must admit, I would say that it is an okay movie for kids, but that is it, nothing more.

It follows the lovable story of Alvin, Theodore, and Simon, which has been around for quite a while, it is just less lovable as a big screen motion picture. When I started watching this movie, I immediately assumed it was going to be really good, because I do have to admit I kind of loved the old cartoons, what I saw of them at least, and was expecting that love to contribute to my viewing of the movie. I was actually sort of disappointed with what kind of film it turned out to be. Yes, of course kids would love this film and maybe some adults would like it, because it was a cute film, but, I would say it is definitely and never should be called great for the plain and simple fact that they tried way too hard at times with crappy jokes and humorless antics that the chipmunks I knew and loved from the TV series were a bit annoying.

There were a few laughs, well, chuckles really, and I certainly was intrigued by the story plot, but overall I think there were a lot of things that could be changed, like how at the start of the film no one seems to notice the chipmunks running across the building floor and hopping into the muffin basket. I mean, they are small but not that small, and plenty of other things I could tell as well, such as the humorless antics I mentioned earlier, in example, toilet humor, which is sad that that seems to be a big gimmick in children films today, but I would rather not have to make this a spoiler comment by continuing to express my likes and dislikes of the film in full detail to the point where everyone is drooling a little; I'm sure by this point you have either agreed or disagreed with everything I have said.

Well, show this to your kids because they will laugh their butts off, but as for adults and teenagers I would say to expect the unexpected which could be anywhere from you liking this movie as the kiddie film it is, to thinking it was just okay and being mildly entertained, maybe even disappointed if you are a really big fan of the old cartoon series.

Well let's put it this way...this film made me smile and i happen to walk again along memory lane :)

[dreyes1924 · 7/10 · 31 December 2007]

I gave Alvin and the Chipmunks a 10...Why?? why you say?? Well first of all it's a refreshing movie to see after a long days work..you know, those cuddly little chipmunks hehehe and lets not forget the singing...Their singing made me smile, like the old days when i was a little kid...Those munks made me smile! Every time they sung they just brings me back to memory lane hehehe...Now the film has it's own share of flaws. Like Jason Lee, well he's a convincing "Dave" but there's just some scenes were he's kinda awkward...like he doesn't mean what he is saying and such but i'll give him A for effort...The Animation/CGI is just perfect "makes you wanna squish those three, most specially Theodore hahaha". The Soundtrack makes up to whatever flaw you may see on the film. Sooo if you don't have anything better to do go watch this film but go inside the theater with an open mind...You'll see "It brings back Memory if you were born in the 80's" So yeah, 10 for me got a problem with that? I don't care just as long as the film made me happy and I'am sure others as well...

A flop

[davispittman · 1/10 · 18 January 2016]

This movie was such a complete bore! It wasn't humorous, cute or even mildly entertaining. No, instead it was annoying, poorly written, crude and stupid. Alvin and the chipmunks are supposed to be funny and cute, and someone needs to let this film in on that little secret. The acting was bad from lead Jason Lee, I feel like he didn't even try, which I can kinda understand, based on the material he was given to work with. If you wanna sit down with your young children to watch this, then they might enjoy it, young meaning like the 2-5 range, but anyone older is probably gonna be bored or annoyed. The chipmunks singing wasn't even that fun or entertaining either, once again, it was uninteresting and just downright bland. Sorry, but unfortunately the filmmakers behind Alvin and the chipmunks wasted the potential of what could've been an amusing film, instead they went for dumb and annoying and bland. Yep that basically sums it up for Alvin and the chipmunks, and dear god I haven't even seen the many sequels. Do we really need soo many chipmunk movies?? Do we? How about we give sequels to movies that actually deserve them. 1/10.

Full of nostalgia, bound to make new fans as well!

[simonparker1990 · 8/10 · 20 December 2007]

When the box office figures for the US came in this weekend I was absolutely horrified! Sure I expected I Am Legend to do well, but the amount that Alvin and the Chipmunks got ($40+ million!) seemed absurd. Added to that the fact that it had earned more than Golden Compass did in its opening weekend just seemed ludicrous. The trailers I had seen seemed very mediocre and I wasn't looking forward to seeing it that much. So what a surprise, and a delightful one, to say how much I really enjoyed the movie. Sure its a kids movie through and through, and if you're not into talking animals then you will come out of this movie and criticise its plot, script and usual more adult things that critics criticise about. But if you go in willing to sit back and enjoy the movie you will realise there is a lot to enjoy. The three leads themselves, Alvin, Simon and Theodore if you've never seen the Chipmunks before, are all very likable and have some hilarious moments. The movie features consistent humour that ranges from fart jokes for kids, to some really subtle references, most notably one to Die Hard where for one moment I thought Alvin was going to complete his Yipee Kiyay moment and make the parents gasp in horror, he doesn't so don't get too excited. The script itself is pretty decent, there are the obligatory clunky sentimental bits, but generally the movie is consistent and full of laughs. It does outstay its welcome admittedly and feels that little bit too long, but these are mere quibbles as this is a movie that is bound to entertain many kids and adults alike, and the fact this did better than Golden Compass no longer frustrates me, as this is admittedly a much better movie than Golden Compass.

The three leads of the movies are CGI creations, they are also surprisingly voice by Justin Long (Alvin), Matthew Gray Gubler (Simon) and Jesse McCartney (Theodore), though you'd never know as obviously their voices have been morphed so they sound much more like the Chimpunks. Anyway their voices sound perfect, Theodore's being the most distinct and will make many audiences world wide sit their and go awww. Alvin is a great lead and has some brilliant moments. Simon is the most dull of the three but has some pretty funny moments as well. But its when the three start singing the movie just comes to life, the Chimpunks Christmas song definitely gave the older members of the audience to relish in, and their rendition of Funky Town is by far the highlight of the movie. The actual adult cast themselves are pretty decent. Jason Lee, from My Name is Earl, is a decent enough lead and at least does better than the adult actors in Garfield who seem almost asleep. When the sentimental stuff kicks in admittedly he does stumble a little bit, but generally Lee is on top form and definitely isn't always overshadowed by the chipmunks. David Cross does the traditional villain role pretty well, although he does start to irritate after a while and when he goes into pure evil mode later on in the film he just seems a bit silly. But by far the worst character in the movie has to be Claire, played by Cameron Richardson, she is out of place in this movie and the romance thing never plays off at all.

Where Alvin and the Chimpmunks succeeds where movies such as Garfield and Scooby Doo have failed is the fact it succeeds in the comedy department. Sure the movie has its nostalgia factor, but if it wasn't funny then the movie would be a disaster. Thankfully this is a very funny movie. The fart jokes are obviously aimed at kids, but thankfully there aren't that many of them, in fact when you compare this to something like Garfield you realise how well the scriptwriters have done keeping this to a minimum. Slapstick is obviously a big part but done very well and there are many set pieces that will please audiences. The songs as I have said are definitely the highlights and as I've said before the Funky Town rendition is just pitch perfect. There are many one liners to be found as well amongst amongst some of the clunkers that appear later on. The sentimental scenes also are not as horrific as some more recent family movies have been. In fact some of the scenes generally do warm your heart.

Overall Alvin and the Chimpunks is a surprisingly good movie that is definitely something parents should take their kids to see this Christmas. While maybe not as good as Enchanted this is definitely better than Golden Compass, and kids will lap this up. So the obligatory sequel that will arrive seems perhaps a more joyful event then it seemed before I saw this movie. In fact a sequel now seems quite a decent idea.

Good enough

[MB-reviewer185 · 6/10 · 3 July 2020]

Not the best but it has funny scenes I remember.

You might like it and you might hate it, but it will be enjoyable.

disappointing

[cschuft · 1/10 · 2 January 2008]

I'm surprised to read all the positive comments on this movie. Even my 4 and 6 year old were bored. The chipmunks are cute...but the storyline is overly obvious. Not recommended for young ones with the least sophisticated tastes.

We did hear a few laughs from the audience while we were in attendance; but I wondered why.

I don't admit to ever being a 'chipmunks' fan, but I expected to be entertained. It's not even an 'escapist' movie as far as I can tell. Simply a heavy handed view of 'success too young spoils'. We've seen more than enough of that with Britney Spears, et al, haven't we?

Don't bother.

Give it credit, it's a kids movie

[Smells_Like_Cheese · 5/10 · 18 December 2007]

When I first saw the trailer to Alvin and the Chipmunks, I was horrified, I'm 22 years old, I grew up with the chipmunks cartoon in the 80's and 90's. But after thinking about it, the chipmunks have been around since the 50's, my generation's chipmunks were a new introduction to us as well as this movie is to the kids of 2007. So my boyfriend and I checked out Alvin and the Chipmunks tonite just to see what it was about and you know what? I think it was cute for what it was. There are flaws here and there about the film, but it was meant for the kids, you have to admit. But the voices and characters are cute and the story works. It's a new story to the chipmunk's tale and adventures.

Alvin, Simon, and Theodore, three singing, talking, and dancing chipmunks have just got their home(a tree, naturally) torn down and they are taken into the city. They jump into a basket being carried by Dave, a failing song writer, and they go home with him. He first shoves them off, but after hearing their singing, he comes up with the idea to write songs for them and see where it goes. They are a success and everything seems to be going very well for them. But until the music business takes advantage of them and tears their family apart, they realize that Dave is really who they need.

Alvin and the Chipmunks of course is not the movie of the year, but for a kid's movie, it was very cute. Judging from my generation of Alvin, Simon, and Theodore, yeah, it was strange seeing them through what this generation considers cute and fun was a bit silly to me. I wished that they would've focused more on the building of the relationship between Dave and the boys, but I guess that might leave room for a sequel. Now, if you're looking for Citizen Kane, don't see this movie, if you're just looking for innocent fun and a cute family flick, I think you might enjoy Alvin and the Chipmunks.

5/10

Alvin and a good movie

[ismaeelbuttib · 7/10 · 15 February 2021]

Very nostlagiv and good I love this and the other 3 movies

Just for the really young kids.

[raypdaley182 · 2/10 · 4 March 2008]

I'm not a chipmunk fan. I was watching this to see what they'd do with it. I am a fan of Jason Lee's "My Name Is Earl" and this is so far from that its unreal.

The films problems start right away. If Dave is late, why is he stopping to talk to his ex? And if he's late why is he waiting in the reception of the building? I assume we're supposed to empathise with Dave and feel sorry for him? Not happening. Especially after hearing those song lyrics.

Right then, to those chipmunks. I'm supposed to suspend disbelief a huge amount and accept they can talk. But forest creatures that know what a building is? Or a muffin? I think not, hardly forest type things really.

I don't get why he was throwing all his music stuff out, you could sell all that. Smashing it up is pointless. Oh, and the chipmunks in the moving bowls getting picked up? Oldest most predictable joke in the world.

A good question would be how can chipmunks who don't live very long know a song from the 1970's? An even better one would be how is a song writer unable to sing his own song in tune (when he's pitching the Xmas song and the chipmunks won't sing).

We're also supposed to happily accept that these chipmunks can read and write as well. Sorry, got to stop you there. NO! Sadly the ending was rather predictable once we saw the talking doll near the cage, I'd rather not have been lead by the nose to the ending like that? The trouble is Ian knows exactly where Dave lives and can get the chipmunks back easily (a tiny fact they seemed to overlook?).

Its a feel good ending with Dave getting the chipmunks back & seeming to be getting on with Clare. It's just a little bit too sweet for my taste though.

Delightful if only viewed once, disgustingly dull if viewed multiple times.

[jburtroald95 · 7/10 · 1 March 2009]

A truly enchanting full-length live-action and computer-generated motion picture based on a 1960s cartoon series that is an all-ages comedic delight with a hidden message.

It all begins when three adorable little talking chipmunks Alvin, Simon and Theodore are happily storing food for the winter in a tree they've made their home. Suddenly their happy little house is cut down and put up in a work office building as a Christmas tree. There the threesome stumble across a music composer named Dave Seville (Jason Lee) who is forever struggling to impress his boss – Ian Hawkes (David Cross) who is a monster lurking beneath the surface – and achieve success.

When Dave hears the chipmunks' marvellous singing abilities he agrees to let them live with him in his house. This action immediately sets off a chain of outrageously funny events as the mischievous trio turn Dave's life upside down.

This charming hour and a half of nicely-done entertainment will be highly enjoyed by young and old. However, for those intending to buy the DVD it may have lost its sparkle the second time round.

it should be illegal to give this movie more than one star

[jkaplan67890 · 1/10 · 24 August 2018]

So a when this movie first came out ,I was around five and my parents took me to see it. I thought it was hysterical but my parents looked physically sick and like they were in pain.

Now let's fast forward to 2018. I was babysitting my little cousin and she had this Dvd at her house, and she wanted to watch it. For a trip down memory lane, I decided to watch it with her.

MY LORD WAS THIS MOVIE IMMATURE, ANNOYING, STUPID, AND DOWNRIGHT TERRIBLE.

So the plot. Dave takes in stupid chipmunks that sing so he can make money. Because this is a really dumb kids movie, of course, he doesn't care about them at first but then he does. The chipmunks are so stupid. I hate Alvin, he's an annoying brat that ruins everything. Like when Dave had Claire over, he ruined their dinner, and then wonders why Dave hates him.

Theodore is so stupid it annoys me. Simon is also just plain annoying.

The humor is terrible.

Like that scene where Simon ate Theodore's poop because he was trying to convince Dave it was a raisin.

UM...WHY WOULD YOU PUT THAT IN A KIDS MOVIE? MY COUSIN LITERALLY LAUGHED AT THAT! YOU PEOPLE ARE JUST MAKING KIDS DUMBER.

The only okay character was Uncle Ian, because he was kind of funny as a selfish guy who wants the chipmunks to make money for him.

Don't watch this. Please. If your kids want to watch it, run for cover in a sound proof room.

An awful lot of fun

[alexandrajade · 6/10 · 27 December 2007]

It surely is no miracle of modern film-making (or script-writing, for that matter), but if you go see this film hoping for either, look in the mirror to see who's to blame. It's a tame, predictable, nonthreatening story with a lot of chuckle-inducing antics and one-liners from SINGING CHIPMUNKS. An enjoyable way to blow an afternoon.

Lee is serviceable as the hard-luck good guy straight man for the CGI critters who, of course, gets the girl in the end. I enjoyed Cross' role as the main antagonist, though as someone who hopefully ends up in the music business in the future I actually found him somewhat sympathetic! None of the 'munks are voiced by particularly big name stars, though even the most recognizable, Alvin (voiced by the 'Mac' in the 'Mac and PC' ads) is unrecognizable.

Bottom line, it's a goofy little chucklefest. If you're up for that, go and enjoy. If not, there are lots of other pictures out there.

6/10

Not much in favor of this film

[Horst_In_Translation · 4/10 · 8 April 2016]

"Alvin and the Chipmunks" is the first film from a movie franchise that is still running almost 10 years later. Unfortunately, quality is not the reason for that. I can't even be too mad at director Tim Hill here as the ones who are really to blame for this first film being mostly a failure are the three writers. It always baffles me how all of them can be so bad that they do not realize the mistakes of the others. At least, Ross Bagdasarian does not have to see this anymore. First of all, a few general notes about the film. It clearly aimed at younger audiences. There is no violence, no sexuality and basically nothing else that could scare them away from the film. The main villain is also not really evil in a psychological sense, just greedy and ruthless.

One problem here is that there are no shades in the characters. they are either 100% good or bad and this always hurts a film. The movie relies a lot on the cuteness of the Chipmunks and even if they are cute, to me their unbearable voices made this almost painful to watch from time to time. And let us not forget: The core plot here is about the trio being great singers. But they are not. Not at all. I wish I could say there is a critical message about musicians having big careers with little talent because of their star factor, but nope. The Chipmunks are supposed to be seen as truly talented here.

The good thing is that this weak film runs for under 90 minutes, so it is really not that long. The bad thing is that it still drags. For example, the romance story involving Cameron Richardson was so generic and not working at all. Badly written and the actress' lack of range is certainly not helping either, but in her favor admittedly not even Kate Winslet would have made this character work. I feel kinda sorry for her because it really destroyed her career. Lee as the title character is so-so, certainly has proved in the past that he is talented, but here he can not really show it. Same goes for David Cross. At least the character is somewhat fun in his over-the-top-ness.

And finally a couple words about the title characters. It always confuses me that Alvin is one of the Chipmunks himself, so to me this is really "dave and the Chipmunks", but anyway.. the film did not have enough funny scenes for me to let me recommend it. The only one I found pretty entertaining was when the trio drank all that caffeine and they were jumping around like bounce balls afterward. But this is not an entertaining movie for 85 minutes and from a dramatic and emotional perspective in terms of the message on friendship for example, I cannot take it seriously at all. Not a good watch. Stay away.

Great family movie

[jaypugh · 8/10 · 27 December 2007]

I'm surprised at the disappointing reviews of this film. I can agree that Jason Lee wasn't the perfect person to play Dave but he still did a pretty good job. I mean, let's be honest here and admit that none of the acting is great in this movie. It isn't horrible but it isn't great either. The thing is that the acting is on par for 90% of kids films. Also, how much can we really expect when it is a story about 3 singing chipmunks? The delight of the film and what people (my family anyway) want to see is the chipmunks get down and boogie. This movie in my mind accomplished everything and more that it might have set out to accomplish. It is extremely funny at times and also has a few heart felt moments. The overall story was very good. There are some morals taught here and you don't always see that with these types of movies. If you are in for some slapstick chipmunk boogie and rock and roll then check this out. I can almost guarantee you that any kid under 12 will love it and it is still enjoyable for adults.

Can't get enough of the 'munks

[kingsambassador · 7/10 · 14 January 2008]

A big surprise of this film is that it does nearly everything just right. Good story (just what is needed and nothing more), great casting, and a wealth of fun, catchy chipmunk tunes. "Alvin and the Chipmunks" engages adult audiences as well as the kids who just can't get enough of those squeaky voices.

The film separates itself from other kid movies through its 'intangibles'...simple things from the choice of Dave's home (with the clever address of '1958', the year which started it all) to the facetious opening scene with the three chipmunks "angering a tree" after they "had a bad day".

Jason Lee is an outstanding casting choice for Dave Seville, the original Chipmunks guardian/songwriter (and stage-persona of Ross Bagdasarian himself). As Dave, Lee keeps a plausible rapport with the chipmunks, reminiscent of Joel's rapport with the machine creatures of "Mystery Science Theater 3000", only with the added ability to warm to the chipmunks' charm as a reluctant father might.

"Chipmunks" sticks to the ageless themes of the importance of heeding one's parents and of doing what's wise rather than just what feels good at the time. Dave and his Music Producer Ian Hawke (David Cross) both battle for the chipmunks' attention as symbols of good and bad, respectively.

Another big plus for the film are the chipmunks themselves. Alvin, Simon, and Theodore are given greater character distinction and development in this film than in any other Chipmunks production. The CGI art was balanced enough to convey their moods & expressions but without pervading too much of the rest of the real-world movie.

The only disappointments were the inevitable ABC (Annoying, Base, Cliché) kid-movie shticks (e.g., rear end/wedgie references, gas moments, etc.), of which the film has a few early infractions but nothing quite able to dispel the chipmunks' puerile charms or to send adults walking out with rolling eyes.

Outweighing this are the fun, pathos, and music of a classic trio reborn. All in all, young and old alike will all come out wanting talking chipmunk friends of their own.

Makes one wish for a train wreck.

[WHCernan · 2/10 · 9 January 2008]

You know the old saw about a train wreck? The one about how you can't look away? This movie isn't that good. The only reason you're still there is because you brought your kids and you can't leave them alone in the theater. You might catch a nap.

Tim Hill should never work in film again after delivering this awful piece of junk. He manages to take a decent comic actor in Jason Lee and turn him into a robotic, unsure actor in this production.

I didn't have much hope for this movie in the first place, I admit. If it weren't basically the only family film I could take my son to around Christmas, my wife and I wouldn't have gone. God, I wish we could go back in time and stop ourselves. I leaned over to my wife about 10 minutes in to tell her what a stinker I thought it was, but she beat me to the punch.

I'm not kidding. It's putrid. Only David Cross's terrific-as-usual work saves this review from being only 1 star.

The story is cloying, insulting and stupid, as might be expected for a movie in this genre (although the recent "Curious George" was blissfully intelligent and enjoyable). The acting is mostly poor. The decision to "update" the Chipmunks songs for today's audience was inadvisable at best and boneheaded at worst. It does not work.

The chipmunks of old were clever, mischievous and sly. These chipmunks are dumb, somewhat mean-spirited, obnoxious, and in a surprise, needy to the point of uselessness.

Either as a retrospect, a tribute, or as a completely new production, this film totally fails. The final straw? My son couldn't wait to leave. Spend your money renting Curious George instead.

Alvin and the Chipmunks was an okay live-action update on '50s cartoon characters

[tavm · 5/10 · 28 January 2008]

After a month of purposely deciding NOT to watch this movie, I finally decided to humor my friend and see this update on Ross Bagdasarian, Snr.'s, creations from fifty years ago. There were pretty funny scenes when they surprised Dave in the beginning and a hilarious one when their manager, Ian (David Cross), gave each of them a caffeinated iced drink to give them energy. Other than that, this was a mostly by-the-numbers story of the pressures of success and the toll it takes on your health. In fact, the climatic scene when the rodent music group is revealed to be lip-syncing to their own vocals (because of their now-hoarse voices) seems aimed at those who go for such acts like Britney Spears and Ashlee Simpson instead of real musicians who play genuine music (though I don't consider what David Seville-Jason Lee-had auditioned initially for Ian authentic either). It's obvious that Lee ("My Name Is Earl") and Cross ("Arrested Development") took these roles for a large paycheck though Lee, at least, grows on you after a while. The music performances of the Chipmunks themselves are variable depending on whether you like any of the songs they sing here or the way their voices completely dominate though I admit liking their performance of "Only You", "Funkytown", and, of course, "The Chipmunk Song", and even the updated version of "Witch Doctor" (though I prefer the original recordings). Not bad for a reboot though for my money, I think I'd love to see the original version for television from the '50s, "The Alvin Show". P.S. What a treat to see the original album covers of The Chipmunks over the years during the end credits.

Woodland Creatures Do and Say the Darndest Things.

[tfrizzell · 27 December 2007]

The popular short cartoons which were first born in the 1970s and then exploded with a weekly animated Saturday morning show on NBC throughout the 1980s are reborn yet again via slick computer-generations in this likable, but unspectacular ode to past pop culture ala our friends "The Transformers". Plot is pretty pedestrian as Dave (Jason Lee) accidentally finds talking chipmunks and then unwittingly learns they have amazing musical talent. Music mogul David Cross is the comic book-styled bad guy who only sees green when looking at the lovable little brown creatures as he comes up with an elaborate scheme to market the titled characters with Lee out of the picture completely. Short and fast-paced, this is a fair translation to the silver screen from limited and obsolete resources. In all expect some fun, but nothing critically spectacular. 2.5 out of 5 stars.