The Chipmunks have been around for as long as I can remember and I have vague recollections of them being on TV when I was younger. However, I never really paid them that much attention and wasn't a particular `Chipmunk' fan. It was a case of coming across this film by accident as opposed to knowing about it. Not having any young kids I wasn't aware of the Chipmunk Fever that my friends now inform me was going on.
The film was released in 2007 and I discovered it whilst on a tediously long plane journey where the options were quite limited. After hearing the hubby's giggles after 10 minutes viewing I decided to give it a go. Secretly I am thrilled that I watched it as I fell in love with this film from the get go and am glad I watched it before deciding to buy the DVD too.
Now let me clarify I am in my thirties so by no means in the targeted audience range. This film that crosses your standard movie with animation is a U certificate and aimed at the younger audience but don't let that deter you!
This film features Dave Sewell (Jason Lee) who is a struggling musician. He comes upon the Chipmunks, Alvin, Simon and Theodore by coincidence as the tree they were living in was chopped down. The three boys (as I will call them) basically plot themselves up in Dave's house and subsequently wreck the place. First off Dave is shocked and in disbelief that these three Chipmunks have not only made themselves at home but they can talk. After getting over the initial shock Dave threatens to kick them out, but when he hears they can sing he decides to let them stay. On one condition! They sing one the songs he has written for them and they present these songs to Dave's friend Ian (played by David Cross) who owns Jet records.
After many false starts the boys perform and Ian whisks them off and ends up making them sign a record deal. Meanwhile unbeknown to Dave he has actually ended up growing attached to the three of them and when Ian starts pushing them to take on a World Tour he intervenes. Ian fills the boy's heads with nonsense about Dave not caring and tells them that if they stick with him they can have anything they want. With Dave out of the picture, Alvin, Simon and Theodore burn out pretty quickly. Dave decides that he will do whatever it takes to get his boys back home where they belong.
The film runs for 87 minutes which I think is just right. Now I know that I am an adult but I have to say it was great to watch such a lovely film. No swearing, no violence, no nudity, just three chipmunks and catchy songs. What more could you ask for? The story was funny and in my opinion pretty good for the audience it is aimed at. I liked both lead chgaracters and the voice overs for the Chipmunks made it too. Some of my favourite bits in the film are where Alvin is misbehaving and all you hear is Dave shout "Alllllllllllllviiiiiiiinnnnnnnn". This film had me giggling at the Chipmunk's childish antics and all in all me and my hubby had an hour and a half of our flight just fly by! Yes it's aimed at kids but if you want some light and funny entertainment this will do the trick. Be warned though, if you are anything like me the little jingles they sing will be stuck in your head for hours.
Loved it!
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Advantages: Good animation, lots of jokes for kids. Disadvantages: Pedestrian direction, hackneyed writing, two-dimensional performances and a lack of jokes for adults.
Advantages: Good animation, lots of jokes for kids. Disadvantages: Pedestrian direction, hackneyed writing, two-dimensional performances and a lack of jokes for adults.
very helpful by (67%):
helpful by (33%):
