Dir. Tim Hill, US, 2007, 90 mins
Cast: Jason Lee, Justin Long, Matthew Gray Gubler, Jesse McCartney, David Cross
Review by Michelle Moore
Whether you remember the albums released back in the fifties or the more recent 1980s television series, Alvin and the Chipmunks are back!
Using computer animated chipmunks with live action scenes, the story goes back to the beginning to give new viewers a taste of the story. Struggling songwriter Dave (Lee) gets his world turned upside down when three singing chipmunks enter his life. There is the enthusiastic Alvin (voiced by Long) the playful troublemaker, the bespectacled Simon (voiced by Gubler) - whose intellect is higher than that of most humans - and the innocent, chubby Theodore (voiced by McCartney).
The film is packed full of humour that will appeal to all ages, from chipmunks passing wind when hiding, to silly songs such as “Dave likes to wear, dirty underwear”. But there are scenes to tug at the heartstrings too, with the relationship that develops between Dave and the cuddly critters being particularly endearing.
Special mention must be given to the sound department, with the voices of Long et al being rendered virtually unrecognisable by the super squeaky new digital recordings, which are used to great effect, not least when the audience is being treated to favourite songs such as "Witch Doctor" to "The Chipmunk Song (Christmas don’t be late)" or the more up-to-date “Bad Day”.
With an army of adoring fans waiting to revisit their childhood friends, and an army of new ones, this is one film that really can bridge the generation gap and has a terrific amount of fun for everyone.
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