Alvin And The Chipmunks [2007] - DVD (Jason Lee, David Cross, Cameron Richardson, Jane Lynch - Dir: Tim Hill)

A staggering surprise success at the box office just before Christmas 2007, the reason for the popularity of Alvin and the Chipmunks soon becomes clear. Not only is it a new adventure for a popular set of characters of old, it's also a fun, breezy family movie, that the kids in particular will enjoy.

Starring Jason Lee (of My Name Is Earl fame), Alvin and the Chipmunks mixes in live action and CGI chipmunks (Alvin, Simon and Theodore) in a story that sees that moved from their natural habitat into the midst of the big city. The plot then becomes as predictable as you'd expect, but there's still plenty of fun to be had anyway.

For Alvin and the Chipmunks has plenty in its corner. It's funny, first and foremost, and moves along at a good pace, never forgetting that its prime job is to entertain its audience. And that's something it easily manages to do, wrapping everything up by remembering not to outstay its welcome, either.

Considering that Alvin and the Chipmunks enjoy a legion of fans that stretch back decades, it's perhaps not a surprise after all that the film enjoyed the success it did. But what's pleasing is that the spirit of the source material, in spite of its contemporary setting, is adhered to, and there's fun for all in the end product. --Jon Foster

Customer Reviews of Alvin And The Chipmunks [2007]

Graham
UK
26th August 2008

Kiddie friendly fun
This is exactly what you would expect of a "Chipmunk" film. Lots of hilarious slapstick humour, silly, but predictable storyline, plus the enigmatic, if somewhat over-egged Chipmunk voices.

Storyline, of this mixed real film and CGI, is basically of an aspiring songwriter, struggling to write any kind of song, which is where Alvin, Theodore and Simon come in. From there the hilarities start and the predictable plot unwinds.

Not really for "adults", but for all kids everywhere, this is a great film. We put it on in the car for the kids whilst we were driving on holiday, and there was blissful peace from the back, apart from the regular bouts of laughter.

MJLivesImmortal
England
23rd August 2008

Bad acting & Tedious
Perhaps I shouldn't be as judgemental on a kids' film but this was awful! I like childrens' films usually like Disney and Pixar stuff but this was so bad. The acting is atrocious and (even though it is a kids' film and I accept that) very childish. The guy who plays Dave is not right for the role at all. It's utterly(!!!!!!!!!!!!) cringe-worthy when he does that 'Alllllllllllllllviiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiin' shout because it doesn't work with him.

1 star goes to the animation of the chipmunks and how they've been put into 'the real world', it's very well made. The film wasn't funny. It had its cute moments of course but overall this film was a huge let down. I hate that they chose that guy to play Dave. Wrong, just wrong! Euch, I really hate this film.

James Gallen
St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.A.
15th July 2008

A Delightful Tale, and Great Music Too!
"Alvin and the Chipmunks" is a delightful tale of three singing kids who happen to be chipmunks. Its entertaining story is woven into a commentary about the exploitation of child stars. Whether you are an original Chipmunks fan, like me, or a new one, like my daughter, the Chipmunks' music and a delightful story will be a treat for anyone.

princess_gwen
Goucestershire, England
2nd June 2008

Chiptastic!!!
I was a huge fan of The Cipmunks as a child and I was worried that the film would be a real dissapointment. I was so wrong! This film is fantastic the chipmunks are so cute and funny. Jason Lee is perfect as Dave Seville and all of the classic songs are there. This is a funny, heartwarming and cool film, enjoy!

Mr. Ross Maynard
Glasgow, Scotland
2nd June 2008

Strictly for Young Kids
The furry cute and fun chipmunks should hold the attention of younger kids for the duration, but don't expect anyone over 10 to be anything but bored with this "by the numbers" film. There are a few entertaining segments in the first half of the film but the second half is predictable and tedious. The comedy has been copied from other films and the acting is unremarkable. How it gets to be a "headline" film I don't know - there is nothing new here, but, as I say, it should keep younger children quiet for a while.