Nappaland's DVDBlog

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ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS (PG)

(Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment and Regency Entertainment)

Plot Summary: An unsuccessful songwriter happens upon three singing chipmunks, who turn his life upside-down.

Reason for the Rating: Some mild, rude humor.

Alvin (voiced by Justin Long), Theodore (voiced by Jesse McCartney), and Simon (voiced by Matthew Gray Gubler) are three chipmunks happily living in a pine tree filled with nuts they’ve stored for the winter, until the tree is cut down and taken to Los Angeles to serve as the Christmas tree in the lobby of a skyscraper. Coincidentally, the day the tree, and the chipmunks, arrives David Seville (Jason Lee), a struggling songwriter, has a not-so-successful meeting on the 80th floor with his old friend, Ian (David Cross), a record executive. The three chipmunks happily, and secretly, accompany Dave home. Upon discovering his new housemates, Dave tries to kick them out, but in the process discovers that they not only talk, but are amazing singers, as well.

Thus an idea is born. For a struggling songwriter, there’s nothing better than a fresh, unique sound. Dave immediately invites the chipmunks to stay and writes a new song for them to sing for Ian. A great idea, if the three will sing for the exec. When Ian does finally hear Alvin and friends sing, he can’t wait to make them superstars, despite protests from Dave. Ian, refusing to “lose” will stop at nothing to cash in on the success and marketability of the chipmunks. Dave must find a way to reign in Ian and bring his three friends home again.

Really, this is such a cute movie, and one that reaches so many generations. Since Alvin and the Chipmunks were created in 1958 and have been in records and on TV off and on since, this is a movie grandparents and parents can watch with nostalgia with the younger members of the family. And enjoy it. There are a plethora of family movies that might be enjoyable for kids, but are like Chinese water torture for parents. This is not one of those movies. The music is fun…hip and up-beat, and the dialogue isn’t completely inane. You’ll find yourself laughing along with the kids, tapping your foot, and asking yourself, “How many cars does Ian have?”

Alvin and the Chipmunks is a different kind of movie in that it doesn’t glorify fame and success. Alvin, Simon, and Theodore are, of course, enamored with the fun of their success…singing on a stage, attending parties, and receiving awesome Christmas presents, but aren’t looking for more until Ian plants the idea in their little heads. While living with more freedom and toys seems like a grand life for a while, the Chipmunks are soon tired, not only physically, but emotionally. They’ve experienced enough of the “rock star” lifestyle, and are ready to go home and settle down. They come to appreciate the protection and shelter Dave provided from people like Ian. It’s a wonderful story of family, friends, and finding the important things in life.

SPECIAL FEATURES:

Of note are two featurettes. One details the music of Alvin and the Chipmunks, and how they created those high, squeaky singing voices, and the other re-tells the history of Alvin and David Seville.

DVDBLOG RECOMMENDS:

This is a great rental for families with children of any age…big or small, old or young.

AFTER THE SHOW: 

• What do you think it would be like to be a celebrity? What would be good? What would be bad?

• What is something you appreciate about each member of your family?

• The Bible says God loves us like his children. How has He shown you His love?

JW

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Note: All movie-related graphics in this column are standard publicity/promotional shots and are owned by their respective movie studios.