Alvin and the Chipmunks DVD Review

"Alvin And The Chipmunks" reviews

DVD

Alvin And The Chipmunks

Author

anonymous

Date reviewed

2008-04-11 16:50:14

Provider

MRIB

DVD Review

Alvin and the Chipmunks have, unbelievably, been with us for half a century. From one novelty hit record in 1958, through dozens of albums and an animated series in the 1980s they have arrived in the 21st century with those famously irritating squeaky voices intact.

Given such longevity, it is perhaps remarkable that this is the first film to feature the singing rodents, voiced in this instance by Justin Long (Jeepers Creepers), singer Jesse McCartney and ex-model Matthew Gray-Gubler.

The story, which casts Jason Lee as struggling songwriter, Dave Seville, whose fortunes are reversed when he comes across the talented trio, has been given a modern twist. While the chipmunk's window-shattering voices are the perfect foil for Dave's music, a manipulative record company exec (David Cross) tries to push the group in an increasingly inappropriate direction. The result of which brings one of the film's comedy high points, with Alvin, Simon & Theodore tackling the Pussycat Dolls' hit Don't Cha.

This is one of several moments which, as is de rigeur for family flicks these days, appeals on different levels to kids and their parents. However, there are few of these, especially when compared to recent animated efforts from the likes of Pixar.

Still, it's not a bad trip down memory lane, as long as you're not too sensitive to high frequencies.

The extras include the soundtrack producer showing just how those helium high-notes are created.

Copyright © MRIB 2008.