Alvin and the Chipmunks

By Nathan Young

The trailer of 'Alvin and the Chipmunks' worried me because I was such a big fan of the television series as a kid. The thought of a live-action version of the cartoon classic seemed like a terrible idea.

It turns out my doubts were unfounded. The movie is by no means a classic, but is much better than I expected. Sure, the biggest laugh from an audience consisting mostly of children came from chipmunk flatulence, but as my wife (a preschool teacher) says, that stuff is funny to a kid. The bottom line is I left the theater entertained. More importantly for the film's bottom line, the nine-year-old that saw it with me loved it. All things considered, I give this movie a 'thumbs up'.

The movie starts off with the chipmunk trio singing Daniel Powter's hit 'Bad Day'. Shortly thereafter, down on his luck songwriter Dave Seville (Jason Lee) makes a failed trip to pitch his music to industry rep Ian (David Cross). One thing leads to another, and before long Dave has three furry house guests. Once the shock wears off that he is in possession of talking, singing chipmunks, Dave composes the Christmas staple "The Chipmunk Song". Once Ian hears the chipmunks sing it, he takes them away from Dave and on the road for a world tour. Life lessons about loyalty, greed and friednship ensue, as do plenty of laughs.

Alvin (Justin Long), Simon (Matthew Gray Gubler) and Theodore (Jesse McCartney) are the only computer animated parts of the film, which makes for an interesting visual experience. The chipmunks are cute and cuddly, especially Theodore (who has always been my favorite chipmunk). There are many popular songs that the chipmunks take on, which adds to the fun. Seeing Alvin and the guys dressed like pop stars and dancing like the Backstreet Boys is also highly entertaining.

To his credit, Lee refuses to mail in his performance on hiatus from his hit TV show 'My Name Is Earl'. He nails the trademark "ALVIN!" line and plays the straight man well. Cross is perfect as Ian. The role requires a smarmy know-it-all, and Cross is up to the task. The former 'Arrested Development' star makes the audience hate him and laugh at him at the same time.

The many children in the theater made for a rapt audience, good news for parents of squirmy kids. More good news for parents: the movie is funny and entertaining for them too. For fans of Alvin, this movie will not disappoint. For those just looking for a fun time, the chipmunks fit the bill there, as well.