Alvin and The Chipmunks 2: Squeaky Clean Fun

The sequel or “squeakquel” to the live action/CGI version of Alvin and the Chipmunks is a fun movie to take the kids too during the holiday season. I never saw the original movie, but as a kid, I was a huge fan of the cartoon series that ran from 1983 to 1990  .

The film focuses on chipmunk brothers Alvin, Simon, and Theodore as they try to survive high school and all that it entails: girls, bullies, sports, popularity, parties, principals and of course former managers bent on revenge. Dave wants his boys to have regular lives again after becoming international rock stars. I think this especially applies to Alvin whose ego seems to have quadrupled with fans worldwide. Audiences are also introduced to Brittany, Jeannette, and Eleanor, a trio of sister chipmunks who also sing and dance. They are being used by Ian Hawke to gain his former power and prestige as the manager of a hit act. The two groups end up battling each other for a chance to represent the high school in a musical competition. Other characters include Toby Seville (cousin of Dave Seville), who becomes an unexpected guardian to the chipmunks after both Dave and their Aunt Jackie are injured.

There are some notable actors who lend their voices such as Justin Long (Alvin), Jesse McCartney (Theodore), Christina Applegate (Brittany), Anna Faris (Jeannette), and Amy Poehler (Eleanor). Jason Lee and David Cross reprise their roles as Dave Seville and Ian Hawke with Zachary Levi (from NBC’s Chuck) playing video game loving Toby.

The message of the movie is the importance of family and being there for each other. The chipmunks’ bonds are tested as they go through the trials and tribulations of high school. The Chipettes’ also experience this as they deal with Hawke, who intends to focus the group around Brittany. Kids can relate to the bullies, peer pressure, popularity and acceptance since they are issues all experienced in school.

Good points of the film include the CGI work on the Chipmunks and the Chipettes. Each character was distinct looking and their facial expressions were realistic enough. The film included a number of current pop hits performed by the furry speaking animals that definitely made it cuter to watch. The physically comedy is also funny, especially Theodore’s fear of eagles. There was a little voice in my head wondering why no one thought that talking animals were bizarre.

Neutral points: this is a very pop culture heavy film with references to YouTube and cameos by young Filipino singer Charise and America’s Best Dance Crew season three winners Quest Crew. Also Jason Lee was barely in the film, though that could be a good thing since his lines felt forced especially his rendition of “Alvvvvin!”.

I think kids under the age of thirteen will especially enjoy the movie, but anyone older than that may want to wait till it comes out on video. I liked the cartoon version more than the film, but then again my memories of that are of a seven year old.