 |
Alvin And The Chipmunks: The MovieA staggering surprise success at the box office just before Christmas 2007, the reason for the popularity of Alvin and the Chipmunks soon becomes clear. Not only is it a new adventure for a popular set of characters of old, it's also a fun, breezy family movie, that the kids in particular will enjoy.
Starring Jason Lee (of My Name Is Earl fame), Alvin and the Chipmunks mixes in live action and CGI chipmunks (Alvin, Simon and Theodore) in a story that sees that moved from their natural habitat into the midst of the big city. The plot then becomes as predictable as you'd expect, but there's still plenty of fun to be had anyway. For Alvin and the Chipmunks has plenty in its corner. It's funny, first and foremost, and moves along at a good pace, never forgetting that its prime job is to entertain its audience. And that's something it easily manages to do, wrapping everything up by remembering not to outstay its welcome, either. Considering that Alvin and the Chipmunks enjoy a legion of fans that stretch back decades, it's perhaps not a surprise after all that the film enjoyed the success it did. But what's pleasing is that the spirit of the source material, in spite of its contemporary setting, is adhered to, and there's fun for all in the end product. --Jon Foster |
Average User Rating: 80% (14 Reviews) | |
| 3 / 5 | Entertaining and Lightweight Comedy
David Rush "Fasten your seatbelts, its going to be a bumpy night!" (Glasgow, Scotland) - 3 March 2008 Let's make no bones about it, the Chipmunks - created by Ross Bagdasarian in 1958 - have been around for a while. What with a lucrative music career, various forms of merchandise, a comic strip and a couple of animated television series as well as four animated films, it'd be fair to say that they have been successful. However, do they still appeal to today's audience? Well that seems to be the question posed by this tale - set in the modern day - of the chipmunks being discovered by Dave Seville (My Name is Earl's Jason Lee) and eventually becoming rock stars. The film begins with the chipmunks - Alvin, Simon and Theodore, of course - gathering nuts for the winter while singing Daniel Powter's "Bad Day". The three are cute enough, but even the most tolerant viewer will begin to find the voices grating on them eventually. The chipmunks bliss is soon destroyed however, when their tree is chopped down and sent to the lobby of a huge building, with them still attached. The film then cuts to Dave, an aspiring songwriter with a friend, Ian, who is in charge of a record studio, Jett Records. Ian wants to help Dave, but he cannot seem to write a hit to save his life, so Ian tells him to leave. As he leaves, it becomes clear that - wouldn't you believe it? - it is the Jett Records lobby where the chipmunks' tree has been delivered. The rodents flee the place and hitch a ride on the parcels Dave is carrying. What follows is a very predictable story where the chipmunks meet Dave, consequently wreck his house but ultimately prove their worth when he hears them singing. The group agree on a bargain: If they sing the songs that Dave writes for them, he'll let them stay in his house. Yet it seems that things will not run as smoothly as you would think when Dave loses his job as an advertiser because of his furry little friends who then also ruin the make up dinner he has with his ex-girlfriend, Claire. As for the rest of the plot, it is not difficult to see where it will go. The chipmunks eventually pluck up the courage to visit Ian and the story writes itself from there, as they find themselves rich and famous and unsure of whether they should stay with Dave or live with Ian instead. The film is entertaining enough - with a refreshing lack of fart and poo jokes, with the odd exception - and is mercifully short, which will satisfy any parent desperate for the squeaky voices to stop. It has a good heart, however, and the chipmunks are cute - Theodore steals the show as usual as the sweetest and most lovable one - and Jason Lee supplies some much needed humour as Dave. Ultimately, this is a film aimed at kids which some adults - and maybe even a few teenager who remember the animated series from the eighties - may also enjoy. Although this is nothing remarkable, it is fun and light and does not take itself too seriously at all. A perfect example of this is where Alvin sucks in helium and his voice turns baritone. What else is a chipmunk going to sound like when it already has that terrible squeak? Simple, silly and fun, Alvin and the Chipmunks is worth a look.... Read Full Review » |
| 5 / 5 | PRESS PLAY THE KIDS ARE HAPPY SIMPLE!!!!
Jason Thorne (England / Oxford) - 28 March 2008 I watched it with my two girls they loved it so did I if I am honest it was good around entertainment that is brillant for the kids and family. Plenty of laughs the story was easy to follow and some good backing tracks well worth a view and it keeps the children happy for an hour or so you can't get alot better than that. |
| 3 / 5 | Strictly for the Kids
L. Mcwilliams - 13 April 2008 After the recent spate of films for kids which contain adult humour too, it is strangely refreshing to view one which is unadulterated small child level. It does have 'cute' value, but for many the high pitched vocals may be slightly stressful. I'm afraid I was pushed to the edge by the mice in 'Babe', and they only clocked up 3 minutes screentime - so this was deeply traumatising!! The story is basic; fate matches up troubled, unlucky guy with singing chipmunks - fame and fortune follow - unscrupulous record exec tries to spoil the relationship. My six year old was transfixed for most of the film, although she seemed to lose interest toward the end. Definately a weekend film for when you want 82 minutes to youself. The kids will LOVE it. ... Read Full Review » |
| 5 / 5 | kids love it!!!!!!!
J. A. Barrell (us) - 27 May 2008 my kids have watched this every night and still have not gotten bored. its a lovely family film with absoloutley hilarious scenes for kids. being 43, i eveN enjoyed it too! it was extremely cute, wild, entertaining and sets a good influance on your childeren. definatley reccomended, the most fun your child will ever get. it's original and funny and yet again, so so sweet and cute. 10/10! BRILLIANT!!!! PHENOMINAL!!! |
| 5 / 5 | Best laugh for a long time
Garry W. Hudson - 10 April 2008 Sadly my wife's just being diagnoised with Alzhimers so we needed cheering up watchin this I was crying with blaughter as was my wife it's the tonic she needs by the end we where going on and on and on like I said best film for a long while cant wait to see it again Garry ps I'm 63not to old at my age I crew up with them?... Read Full Review » |
RRP
£20.00
Release Date
14 April 2008
Price Range
£5.99 - £15.49