Cast: Jason Lee, David Cross, Cameron Richardson, and the voices of Justin Long, Matthew Gray Gubler and Jesse McCartney
Director: Tim Hill
Studio Synopsis: Three chipmunks, Alvin, Simon and Theodore, watch as their home is chopped down by a Christmas tree company. With the boys still inside, the tree is shipped off to the lobby of the prestigious Jett Records, helmed by a slick and conniving record executive named Ian Hawk (David Cross), in downtown Los Angeles. Ian is a former college roommate of Dave Seville (Jason Lee), a down-on-his-luck musician and songwriter who has never given up hope for making a successful career out of his quirky musical sensibilities. When Dave goes to Jett Records to pitch Ian a new song, he is rudely booted out of the offices. Taking a basket of muffins as consolation, he wanders past the Christmas tree being installed in the lobby. The Chipmunks, smelling the tasty muffins, jump in the basket unbeknownst to Dave, who unwittingly carts them back to his apartment where the Chipmunks secretly install themselves quite comfortably. Before you can say, "Alvinnnnn!!!" the 'Munks run amuck, turning their new digs into a disaster area. The boys' home-wrecking antics include storing toaster waffles under the carpet (put aside for the winter, the 'Munks explain), and leaving some mysterious dark, round objects strewn about (Simon insists they're...raisins). Shocked at what the boys have done to his apartment, Dave is even more astounded when he discovers that not only can these rodents talk, they can sing. Despite his misgivings about his new tenants, Dave seizes the opportunity to put together his songwriting skills with the 'Munks unique talents. Their first collaboration, "The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don't Be Late)" becomes an overnight sensation, propelling the Chipmunks to superstardom. They revel in the rock star perks that follow: album launch parties, limos, flashing cameras, fans and press interviews. At the same time, Alvin, Simon and Theodore decide to play Cupid, frantically trying to set a romantic scene for a reunion between Dave and his former girlfriend Claire (Cameron Richardson). Much to Dave's consternation and embarrassment, the boys prove themselves to be better singers than matchmakers. But Dave's problems extend far beyond missed opportunities for romance. Ian's greed and Dave's difficulty with commitment create a rift between Dave and his lovable rodent pals. Alvin, Simon and Theodore venture out into the world once again and land themselves squarely in Ian's corrupt landscape of global contemporary pop music. As Ian pushes them beyond the breaking point, the boys begin to understand the true meaning of loyalty, family and friendship. But is it too late for them to escape Ian's clutches and find their way back to Dave?
Rating: PG
Running Time: 91 minutes
Official Web site: http://www.alvinandthechipmunksmovie.com/
Trailer: http://www.apple.com/trailers/fox/alvinandthechipmunks/
Reviews:
EDGE Miami (C)
Hollywood.com (2 1/2 out of 4 stars)
Local 10 (2 out of 4 stars)
Metromix South Florida (1 1/2 out of 5 stars)
The Miami Herald (2 1/2 out of 4 stars)
The Palm Beach Post (C)
The Sun-Sentinel (2 1/2 out of 4 stars) |