Alvin and the Chipmunks
Here comes trouble. Released on December 14, 2007 in most North American markets, Alvin and the Chipmunks was lambasted by critics and grossed almost double its expected box office, selling out most showings on its opening weekend. At the time of this post, Alvin and the Chipmunks is a solid second at the box office, right behind National Treasure: Book of Secrets and ahead of I Am Legend. That shouldn’t really be too surprising, as the nostalgia factor makes this family film a must-see for fans of Alvin and the Chipmunks.
Tim Hill directed Alvin and the Chipmunks. Hill is probably best known for being a writer on SpongeBob SquarePants, but he also directed Muppets From Space and Garfield: A Tale of Two Kitties. It’s apparent that Hill has a resume involving talking animals and creatures, so he was likely a wise choice to handle the talking chipmunks.
Look, let’s be honest here. Alvin and the Chipmunks is about as middle of the road as a movie gets. It’s not really particularly good, although there were some funny moments and the nostalgia factor worked for me. It’s also not really bad and is a significantly better film that many 2007 offerings. I’d rather watch Alvin and the Chipmunks thirty times in a row before sitting through Good Luck Chuck again. Alvin and the Chipmunks, much like the musical group and animated series, isn’t meant to be taken seriously. Many critics must have missed the memo, as the critiques towards the film range from the “implausibility of the story” to the “annoyance of the characters’ voices.” Fair enough, I guess, but critiquing a movie about talking and singing chipmunks requires a certain context, in my opinion.
Alvin and the Chipmunks stars Jason Lee as Dave Seville, the struggling songwriter. One day, Dave discovers three talking chipmunks in his muffin basket (long story) and learns, soon enough, that they can sing. The chipmunks are, of course, Alvin (voiced by Justin Long), Simon (voiced by Matthew Gray Gubler), and Theodore (Jesse McCartney). Theodore was always my favourite and in the film, it’s no different. Basically, Dave thinks he finally has the act that will help him out, so he takes the chipmunks to his boss (David Cross) and shows them off. After a sequence of comical events, Dave’s boss eventually takes over and works the poor chipmunks to the bone in show biz, just in time for Dave to save them in the final act.
It’s a pretty straightforward, yet entirely relatable and applicable plot. Elements of the film include the idea of a family, as there likely is no more non-traditional family than a guy and a bunch of singing chipmunks. The idea of the glitz and allure of the music industry is cleverly lampooned in a few spots, with David Cross being a more than competent villain to the little tale. The story is simple enough to resonate with the large number of kids in the audience, that’s for sure. Let’s not be foolish, either: this movie’s for kids.
Alvin and the Chipmunks owes a lot of its simple-minded humour to Hill’s time as a writer on SpongeBob SquarePants, that’s for sure. The humour, often referred to by critics as “potty humour”, is kind of clever in some instances with a whole lot less actual “potty humour” than expected. I think there may be a chipmunk fart joke and, let’s be honest, it’s pretty funny when a chipmunk farts. Also, the idea of the music industry serving as a cruel villain is funny enough.
The CGI on the chipmunks is a little grating at times, as they are cute but a little bit strange looking. It’s not a very good job, but it is a passable one. Alvin and the Chipmunks uses the CGI to the limit, though, creating a zillion snazzy dance numbers for the trio of critters in one pop-dance sequence after another. In terms of the non-CGI stuff, a lot of the acting is a little bit wooden. Jason Lee could have used an infusion of personality, as his “Alvin!” yell never seems to reach proper levels of childish glee. Cross is actually the best part in the film, for the adults at least, as his character is just the right combination of pseudo-sincerity and sleaze.
Overall, Alvin and the Chipmunks isn’t a bad little film. I can recommend it to those that know what they’re getting into. It’s a fair shade better than a lot of 2007 films and it won’t step on any toes. Hill directs a simple film with a dedication to charm and laughter, making it idyllic for a Saturday afternoon matinée with the kids. Alvin and the Chipmunks is an acquired taste, but their comeback is a lot less painful than it looks.
Trailer:
