ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS MOVIE REVIEW

RATING: 4/5 AUDIO: ENGLISH SUBTITLE: CHINESE/ENGLISH/MALAY

INTRODUCTIONS
The original Alvin and the Chipmunks was created in the late 1950s as a recording and came to life as a cartoon because of their huge success. Three cute, furry and cuddly chipmunk brothers, Alvin, Simon, and Theodore were adopted by a then-failed songwriter named Dave Seville. As mischievous as any kids would be, they created havoc in Dave’s life on and off but Dave realized that the messy chipmunks sure can harmonize very well and introduced them to his money-hungry record producer Ian.

The trio then became an overnight boy-band sensation. Things went well initially until Ian got too big a head and decided to trick the boys into his marketing plans for chipmunk merchandises and an exhausting world tour for the boys. The story continues on how Dave tried to save his boys from being exploited.

REVIEW:
This CGI/live-action family-oriented comedy gets a thumb up from me. The intrepid trio of Alvin, Simon and Theodore did prove that animation is not only for kids. It can also be enjoyed by parents and siblings. It is a smile and laugh movie that will capture the hearts of many. When things get bad and dull with the normal romantic or boring storylines, the boys will jump in and get you into stitches with their mischievous behaviors.

The starting plot of having the trio storing acorns for the winter was good. In fact, it was the song “Bad Day” that made it interesting, on top of their cute, furry and cuddly features. In the scene when the trio got thrown out of the house by Dave, the song “Only You” and “Funky Town” got me laughing all the way.

When Dave got the inspiration from the trio’s sleeping sound, he came up with the perfect song, none other than Alvin and the Chipmunks’ beloved tune, “The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don’t Be Late).” It was amazing. The boys have never sounded or looked better. It has the touch of Christmas mood in it. The movie continued with the introduction of a few catchy and hip-hop songs that did well in following the music trend of today.

The director of the movie, Tim Hill (also directed “Garfield: A Tail of Two Kitties”) did a great job in holding on to the interest of the viewers by concentrating more on the boys rather than on Dave’s relationship and Ian’s one-dimensional money monger greediness. Overall, it was cleverly crafted plot the music business and the trappings of success. It is a movie you would not want to miss with your children and friends during this Christmas.

ORIGINAL MOTION PICTURE SOUNDTRACKS

01. Bad Day
02. The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don't Be Late) (Deetown OG Mix)
03. Follow Me Now
04. How We Roll
05. Witch Doctor
06. Come Get It
07. The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don't Be Late) (Deetown Rock Mix)
08. Funkytown
09. Get You Goin'
10. Coast 2 Coast
11. Mess Around
12. Only You (And You Alone)
13. Ain't No Party
14. Get Munk'd - Featuring Al D
15. Witch Doctor (Classic Version)
16. The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don't Be Late) (Classic Version)