Cheeky Chipmunks bring some Christmas Cheer
I remember as a child getting an "Alvin and the Chipmunks" record, do you remember those things, but other than the catchy and cute "The Chipmunk Song" I didn't really care for it. Funnily that is sort of how I feel about "Alvin and the Chipmunks" the movie, I liked the cuteness of these talking and singing chipmunks as well as some of the comedy but beyond Simon, Alvin and Theodore I didn't really care for it. Then again I am not who "Alvin and the Chipmunks" is aimed at and so once the novelty factor of amusing singing chipmunks wears off there is nothing left to entertain me.
After the tree they live in gets cut down chipmunks Simon, Alvin and Theodore find themselves in Los Angeles and in the home of frustrated song writer Dave Seville (Jason Lee - A Guy Thing). Despite making a mess of his home Dave warms to the cute chipmunks when they impress him with their singing talents. Spotting their potential he introduces them to his friend Ian (David Cross - She's the Man) a music producer and before you know it they are an over night success as rock stars. But whilst Dave tries to keep the chipmunks grounded Ian tries to sway them with gifts as he wants to take them on the road, touring across America.
The storyline to "Alvin and the Chipmunks" is what you could almost amusingly call a biopic as it goes into how Simon, Alvin and Theodore meet Dave, their rise to fame as singing chipmunks and finding themselves being managed by a money grabbing music producer. As such there is an obviousness to it all which screams out to older audiences who will know that the minute producer Ian gets his hands on The Chipmunks they will realise that Dave was better for them. And so for adults "Alvin and the Chipmunks" is sort of lacking in storyline but then this is a movie for kids and it works because in many ways the storyline is not that important.
What is important is that "Alvin and the Chipmunks" is full of scenes revolving around the cute chipmunks having fun, making trouble or singing. From wrecking Dave's house, curling up next to him in bed, singing various songs there are a lot of fun and loveable moments. But again it is a case that after the novelty wears off there is nothing left for adults to find amusing, even attempts to throw in some nods to other movies fails. But for children the scene after scene of chipmunk cuteness will work.
Unlike other movies which try to mix live action with cartoon "Alvin and the Chipmunks" works quite well with the interactions between Dave and the Chipmunks being surprisingly effective. Although I have to say that Jason Lee's goofy smile ends up becoming as tiresome as the movie. On the other hand David Cross delivers scene after scene of amusement as the money grabbing producer Ian.
Of course "Alvin and the Chipmunks" is all about Simon, Alvin and Theodore and not only are the animations a treat to watch but the voicing is excellent. And it pains me to say this but the various songs they sing are quite amusing although listening to "Witch Doctor" is bordering on the head ache inducing.
What this all boils down to is that "Alvin and the Chipmunks" is a fun movie which is aimed at younger audiences and works at that level. But from an adult perspective there is the novelty of the cute chipmunks singing and making mischief but after that there is little to keep you entertained.