Alvin and the Chipmunks (DVD, 2008, Movie Cash ; Dual Side)

The trailers I had seen seemed very mediocre and I wasn't looking forward to seeing it that much. So what a surprise, and a delightful one, to say how much I really enjoyed the movie. Sure its a kids movie through and through, and if you're not into talking animals then you will come out of this movie and criticise its plot, script and usual more adult things that critics criticise about. But if you go in willing to sit back and enjoy the movie you will realise there is a lot to enjoy. The three leads themselves, Alvin, Simon and Theodore if you've never seen the Chipmunks before, are all very likable and have some hilarious moments. The movie features consistent humour that ranges from fart jokes for kids, to some really subtle references, most notably one to Die Hard where for one moment I thought Alvin was going to complete his Yipee Kiyay moment and make the parents gasp in horror, he doesn't so don't get too excited. The script itself is pretty decent, there are the obligatory clunky sentimental bits, but generally the movie is consistent and full of laughs. It does outstay its welcome admittedly and feels that little bit too long, but these are mere quibbles as this is a movie that is bound to entertain many kids and adults alike, and the fact this did better than Golden Compass no longer frustrates me, as this is admittedly a much better movie than Golden Compass.

The three leads of the movies are CGI creations, they are also surprisingly voice by Justin Long (Alvin), Matthew Gray Gubler (Simon) and Jesse McCartney (Theodore), though you'd never know as obviously their voices have been morphed so they sound much more like the Chimpunks. Anyway their voices sound perfect, Theodore's being the most distinct and will make many audiences world wide sit their and go awww. Alvin is a great lead and has some brilliant moments. Simon is the most dull of the three but has some pretty funny moments as well. But its when the three start singing the movie just comes to life, the Chimpunks Christmas song definitely gave the older members of the audience to relish in, and their rendition of Funky Town is by far the highlight of the movie. The actual adult cast themselves are pretty decent. Jason Lee, from My Name is Earl, is a decent enough lead and at least does better than the adult actors in Garfield who seem almost asleep. When the sentimental stuff kicks in admittedly he does stumble a little bit, but generally Lee is on top form and definitely isn't always overshadowed by the chipmunks. David Cross does the traditional villain role pretty well, although he does start to irritate after a while and when he goes into pure evil mode later on in the film he just seems a bit silly. But by far the worst character in the movie has to be Claire, played by Cameron Richardson, she is out of place in this movie and the romance thing never plays off at all.

Where Alvin and the Chimpmunks succeeds where movies such as Garfield and Scooby Doo have failed is the fact it succeeds in the comedy department. Sure the movie has its nostalgia factor, but if it wasn't funny then the movie would be a disaster. Thankfully this is a very funny

I know this is a children's movie (and I'm 47), but I believe it was done extremely well. They thought of so much detail! I also thought the casting was perfect!

The animation was seamless (all the hairs moved and were shiny). The chipmunks' eyes sparkled. By this, I mean, you can see the reflection of the light on their eyes. Their reflection on David's glasses was very cleverly shown when they went to his house and surprised him with a song one night and he said, "welcome to Jett records." And when they did their dance steps, you could see clearly what they were doing as if they were humans, and they are such tiny creatures!

The writing was perfect. There was humor for kids and adults alike. I would like to think that most adults caught Alvin's comment about their parents being hippies, leading them to leave the young chipmunks early to join a commune. That totally cracked me up!

I was also amazed at how they showed Alvin with the most expressive facial expressions since he is the most emotional one of the three. Or how they depicted how innocent and child-like Theodore looks and sounds. By the same token, it was amazing how super smart (geeky and nerdy too) Simon truly is.

Marketing wise, though (a little off topic), Fox could have done so much. They could have partnered with the Eggo waffles folks since it was the chipmunks' favorite food. They could have had a McDonald's or a Burger King chipmunk meal or even a waffle extravaganza at IHOP restaurant.

And as far as the DVD release, it would have been ideal if they showed the human counterparts of the chipmunks as they recorded a few lines. But there was no reference to them except for their names (Justin Long [Alvin], Matthew Gray Gubler [Simon], Jesse McCartney [Theodore]).

Overall, the chipmunks rock! I can't wait to see another Munk movie!!!

I wanted to see this in the movie theater, but didn't have the opportunity. Waited til it came out in DVD format. Purchased it from Ebay, then it happened, it wouldn't read on my dvd player, but played on the Xbox 360 unit and a portable DVD player. I ordered another movie. Haven't played that copy yet. I hope it plays on our dvd/vhs combo unit.

Back to the movie, it was a fun and funny movie on how 3 chipmunks can get into so much mischief. They are worse than 3 toddlers unsupervised. I grew up with the chipmunks and to see it in a movie as they sing " Christmas Don't Be Late" was cute. But how a record manager can exploit Alvin and his buddies for HIS benefit is wrong. Give them anything they want, and then work them too hard..I know it's only a movie, but think about it it can happen in real life with human beings..there is a lesson here, and it seems the lesson is if you want something real bad, no matter who you are you work for it, nothing is going to come to you without a price..no job, find one, save for what you want, life isn't easy! Don't take advantage of other people. Many young adults today, don't work, sit home and play video game while their other half works, they want to make money, but won't get off their butts and work; they want other people to give them things. Like when they were growing up.
Nothing is for FREE anymore, not even a lunch!
This proves my point with the Chipmunk movie, Dave wanted to make music and went to his friend Ian, a music producer, for help; Ian's office was willing to give Dave anything for his music, but when Dave bombed out with a song, the office help wasn't their to help out anymore, he couldn't get a latte', a water, or even a muffin. The Chipmunks come along, destroy Dave's house, but they are the music makers and the money getters. Dave knew he had something good here, but too he wasn't too appreciative when they gave him gifts and Alvin and the gang weren't too happy with Dave's gifts either, but Ian saw a gold mine and showered Alvin & Friends with gifts, parties, food and in the long run they were exhausted and Ian lost..he couldn't take anyting slow, he saw too many dollar signs. So they went back with Dave.
Cute movies like this usually have a message tied with them! And that is good!
But too many people will see a movie like this and think nothing of it!
Think about this, the new Narnia movie has a message behind it also. I want to see that and can't. I'll wait til it come out on dvd. And buy it on Ebay!

I bought this 2007 update of the Chipmunks because I always had a interest in these characters and I really liked the price I got it! REAL CHEAP! I think Ross Bagdasarian, Sr. would be really proud to see his 'boys' in this new age flick! The story line is good and believable and make Alvin, Simon and Theodore really come alive! I never thought I would see the day that the boys would be in computer animation! It is a cute film that both children and adults can enjoy without the vulgarity. I would recommend this movie to any die-hard CHIPMUNK fans who like getting 'munked' and am looking forward to the 'Squeakquel!

this movie s hilarious-I originally rented it for my daughter, who's 5 and can't get enough of "the boys"-Alvin, Simon & Theodore. She also likes their "dad", Dave. Enjoyable movie for the whole family.The price was the best I found here on Ebay, as stores right now have no sales to speak of. Thank you for having this title available-great update of a classic cartoon I remember as a child.