Release
Date: April 01, 2008 Starring: Jason Lee, David Cross, Cameron Richardson, Jane Lynch, Justin
Long Genre: Animation, Comedy, Family MPAA Rating: PG (for some mild rude humor)
Review: Families come in many
different shapes and sizes, but few humans consider rodents members of the
family. Dave Seville (Jason Lee) is no exception, so when this flailing musician
finds three young talking chipmunks gorging themselves in his kitchen cupboards,
Dave is quick to question his sanity and then toss the offending chipmunks
outside into the rain and restore order. When Dave hears the chipmunks singing
outside his window, he realizes that that unusual trio might just be the world's
next vocal sensation and he strikes a bargain with them--the chipmunks can stay
with him if they sing his songs. While chipmunks Alvin (Justin Long), Theodore
(Jesse McCartney), and Simon (Matthew Gray Gubler) quickly begin to see Dave as
a father figure, it's strictly a business arrangement for Dave and he maintains
an appropriate emotional distance. Dave's frustration with the chipmunks mounts
as they unwittingly wreak havoc on his personal life, but when Dave's old friend
and record label mogul Ian (David Cross) begins to exploit the chipmunks for
personal gain, Dave suddenly realizes what an important part of his life, and
indeed his family, the three chipmunks have become. Hilarity reins in this live
action/CGI comedy with many memorable scenes--think chipmunks showering in the
dishwasher, riding in remote control planes, and bouncing off the walls under
the influence of a serious caffeine buzz. Catchy Chipmunks' songs both new and
old promise to lodge themselves in the minds of viewers long after the credits
roll and even those none-too-enchanted with the premise of singing chipmunks
can't help but be entertained by this comical film...more
Extras: "Chip-Chip-Hooray! Chipmunk
History" featurette, "Hitting the Harmony" featurette, "Inside Look at
Dr. Seuss' Horton Hears a Who!"
Movie Spotlight
Alvin and the Chipmunks Release
Date: December 14, 2007 Studio: 20th Century Fox Director: Tim Hill Screenwriter: Jon Vitti Starring: Jason Lee, David Cross, Cameron Richardson, Jane Lynch, Justin
Long Genre: Animation, Comedy, Family MPAA Rating: PG (for some mild rude humor) Official Website:
AlvinandtheChipmunksmovie.com
Plot Summary: Jason Lee ("My Name Is Earl") stars as David Seville in
the CG/live-action hybrid film, based on the 1950s cartoon series about
chipmunks Alvin, Simon and Theodore, who lay waste to Seville's surroundings and
sing in three-part harmony in this modern update of the classic story.
EN 5 Second Review:
Good clean fun for the whole family, nostalgic, and
funny. A great Christmastime movie.
It's
all about good, clean fun, both for kids absorbed in the cuddly
creatures (especially when they sing) and for their parents,
unexpectedly hooked by the nostalgia they evoke Sue Pierman: Milwaukee Journal
Sentinal
Created in 1958 by Ross Bagdasarian, boomers will recall
"Alvin and the Chipmunks" as animated bucktooth buggers always getting
in hot water...more
What
happened to Alvin, the rodent counterpart of Dennis the
Menace? Was he declawed in the translation to CGI? Carrie Rickey: Philadelphia
Enquirer
In the holly-decked history of holiday songs, before the
Singing Dogs barked "Jingle Bells," before Cheech and Chong
tittered "Santa Claus and His Old Lady," there was Dave
Seville and the Chipmunks' chirping "The Chipmunk Song
(Christmas Don't Be Late)," a nifty novelty tune promoting
that nifty novelty item, the hula hoop. You could hear the
sleigh bells and cash registers ringing...more
It's
a fine-enough kids movie. Cute. Nice lesson. And better
than you'd think. Bill Goodykoontz: Arizona Republic
David Cross brings a delightfully despicable tone to Ian, a
nefarious record-company executive. Unlike everyone else,
when Ian sees Alvin and friends, he doesn't see the furry
little pals who can warble a tune. He sees a cash cow, one
he plans to milk for all it's worth...more