Rating: 3 Pulses
Jason Lee, David Cross, Cameron Richardson
Directed by Tim Hill
Rated PG
The latest profit-driven, big-budget revival of a classic series in the digital age follows Alvin, Simon and Theodore on their journey from a tree in the forest to international singing and dancing sensations.
Not surprisingly, the beloved harmonious, hungry and high-pitched rodents find themselves caught up in a series of adventures and mishaps, while teaching kids heartwarming lessons about family, materialism and what’s really important in life.
The film is fairly entertaining and has some pretty funny moments, but certainly nothing revolutionary. It seems the good people at Fox figured out how to intricately animate chipmunks, found a couple of guys with a little name recognition, threw a clich’ story together and sat back and waited for the money to roll in.
The three harmonizing rodents, who venture into a land where there’s no need to store up nuts for the winter, did look great, though. However, in Alvin and the Chipmunks, the three brothers were created to look and move more like real chipmunks than their old-school cartoon selves. If I remember the cartoon series correctly, the trio resembled actual forest rodents a little less and midgets wearing floor-length T-shirts a little more. They came up to Dave’s waist and walk upright as humans. This oversight cannot be forgiven.
Luckily, the voices held true to the original series, sounding as squeaky as ever, and their distinct personalities came through: Alvin’the confident, fun and outspoken leader, Simon’the cautious brains of the operation and Theodore’lovable, though really a little fat and unintelligent.
Cute, yes. But they wouldn’t be welcome as my roommates for long if they keep chewing through the cereal boxes.
One of the most entertaining and memorable aspects of the film is the trendy wardrobe of the always comedic David Cross (’Mr. Show’) as he plays a modern record executive who thinks a little too highly of himself.
And Dave Seville (Lee) has received well-deserved praise for his interaction with thin air that digital animators would later fill with the furry little stars.
If you’re really dying to see digital singing chipmunks on the big screen, then by all means, rush to the theater to see Alvin. Otherwise wait for the rental and have a fun night with the kids.
