ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS
Director: Tim Hill Stars: Jason Lee, David Cross, Cameron Richardson, Jane Lynch, voices of Justin Long, Jesse McCartney, Matthew Gray Gubler
Reviewed by GREG KING
Beginning life as an intriguing novelty act created by Ross Bagdasarian in the 1950’s, Alvin And The Chipmunks were a trio of singing chipmunks who sounded like they had been inhaling too much helium. Their cheeky, high-voiced cover versions gave them fame, and the trio has since endured numerous incarnations over the years, including tv cartoon series and lots of hit records. This live action comedy sees the three CGI-generated chipmunks cross over into modern day Los Angeles.
Alvin (voiced by Justin Long, from Jeepers Creepers, Die Hard 4, etc), Theodore (voiced by pop star and teen idol Jesse McCartney) and Simon (voiced by Matthew Gray Gubler, from tv series Criminal Minds) find their way to LA in a Christmas tree. They are discovered by struggling songwriter Dave Saville (Jason Lee), but they are soon exploited and turned into yet another popular boy band by nasty record company boss Ian Hawk (David Cross).
The film incorporates some lofty themes, including the importance of family and the evils of crass commercialism and exploitation. There is plenty of slapstick humour here, particularly in the early scenes, before the plot kicks in. When it does though, the plot of the rise and fall of a novelty pop group is rather formulaic and familiar, and may prove a little boring for younger audiences. The subplot involving a romance between Dave and his beautiful neighbour (Cameron Richardson) will also probably not interest the target audience much. But when the chipmunks are front and centre, talking in very high voices, and creating comic mayhem, the film does prove to be quite entertaining.
The characters are pretty one dimensional, although Cross is particularly memorable as the greedy record company boss, and Lee exudes plenty of charm as the hapless Dave.
The film has been nicely directed by Tim Hill, who previously made Garfield: A Tale Of Two Kitties, another low brow comedy film that superbly incorporated CGI talking animals into the live action. Alvin And The Chipmunks is pleasant holiday viewing for younger audiences, and far more entertaining than one would have first imagined.
**1/2