Alvin And The Chipmunks Movie
Storyline
TAGLINES
Here comes trouble.
They're back & bigger than ever. Christmas
the original entourage.
In a tree farm, three musically inclined chipmunks, Alvin, Simon and Theodore, find their tree cut down and sent to Los Angeles. Once there, they meet the frustrated songwriter David Seville, and despite a poor house wrecking first impression, they impress him with their singing talent. Seeing the opportunity for success, both human and chipmunks make a pact for them to sing his songs. While that ambition proves a frustrating struggle with the difficult trio, the dream does come true after all. However, that success presents its own trials as their unscrupulous record executive, Ian Hawke, plans to break up this family to exploit the boys. Can Dave and the Chipmunks discover what they really value amid the superficial glamor around them?
| Jason Lee | David Seville |
| David Cross | Ian |
| Cameron Richardson | Claire |
| Justin Long | |
| Don Tiffany | Don the Sound Engineer |
| Matthew Gray Gubler | Simon |
| Jesse McCartney | Theodore |
| Jane Lynch | Gail |
| Jordan Green | Obnoxious Kid |
| Allison Karman | Female Intern #1 |
| Tiara Parker | Female Intern #2 |
| Kira Verrastro | Female Intern #3 |
| Beth Riesgraf | Mother in Store |
| Oliver Muirhead | Butler |
| Don Abernathy | Photographer |
| Tim Hill |
5.70 out of 10 (5773 votes)
Visitor Reviews
Watch it for the chipmunks only
posted on 26 Aug 2009Alvin and the Chipmunks pretty much did not surprise me much at all. It was basically just what I though it was gonna be. The chipmunks were awesome, voiced by Justin Long, Jesse McCartney, and my lovely Matthew Gray Gubler from Criminal Minds (what a random bunch there lol). But everything else about the movie was pretty much not that good at all. The story was very unoriginal and Jason Lee is a horrendous actor, at least in this. Anyways, he didn't ruin the movie because the chipmunks completely stole the show. The movie had a lot of laughs in it (from the chipmunks) and it was just good natured fun. This will please kids and hey adults might get a few laughs too, even if they don't want to admit it.
It was surprisingly good
posted on 22 Aug 2009Surprising as this may sound to most of you reading this, the movie was actually quite enjoyable, much to my surprise. I thought for sure I would be driven insane by those three abnormal voices, but I wasn't. Jason Lee performed pretty well, considering his 3 co-stars were computer generated. David Cross was hilarious in his part as "Uncle Ian" and had a few moments were I genuinely laughed out loud. The movie itself is pretty funny, I thought it would be a tacky movie aimed at the 5-10 year old age bracket, but after seeing it myself, I would place it in the any age bracket. As you can see these most common misconceptions that I share with most of you (Most probably) were proved wrong. If you have a bit of spare time, I suggest encourage you to go along and see it. I enjoyed it, and I would definitely watch it again. Full credit to Tim Hill for directing such a good movie, Two thumbs from me.
Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Motion Picture
posted on 14 Aug 2009This movie has ever touched the Big Screen from my childhood and it became my American Idol version from the Alvin and the Chipmunks animated series. These Chipmunks remind me of from Disney's Chip "N" Dale isn't that similar. I really enjoy watching this movie. I got it for my 29th Birthday this month on DVD. These Chipmunks are so brilliant to watch on the CGI effects that they rock the whole concert tours. They are very small. First was "The Chipmunk Adventure" first came out from the animated motion picture from 1987. This movie became every Child's dream come true from the 80's. The Chipmunks are part of every Kids' Idol.
A Nice Updated Version
posted on 12 Aug 2009Alvin in the contemporary age, taking two of the original Alvin songs and seamlessly incorporating them into the update. This new adapted version from the television original maintains the faithfulness of the key elements of the Chimpmunks over time. Unfortunately the rather predictable, though decent plot, also fused the Chimpmunk characters, Alvin, Theodore, and Simon whose characters weren't quite as richly distinctive as they could have been. This animated movie was nicely accomplished with it technical effects and avoided all of the cheesy moments and instead actually promoted a more compelling humorous animated action. It had a good message and handled its subject matter with care and sensitivity. Seven out of Ten Stars.
goofs galore
posted on 08 Aug 2009It is Christmas time in Hollywood. Dave looks at the clock-it says 6:30, it is still very light outside. I don't know about Los Angeles, but where I live in California, it is dark by 5:00 pm. Other than that, (one of the very obvious goofs), it was a fun and cute movie. I was 5 when they began and I think I knew all the words to all the songs and re-enjoyed the show when my son was little some 27 yrs later. We need more of these feel good, fun and a lack of sexual content movies. Just because we are adults does not mean that is all we care to see when we lay down our $10.00 for a ticket. Not every adult going to see a "G" or "PG" movie has children in tow.
Well let's put it this way...this film made me smile and i happen to walk again along memory lane :)
posted on 06 Aug 2009I gave Alvin and the Chipmunks a 10...Why?? why you say?? Well first of all it's a refreshing movie to see after a long days work..you know, those cuddly little chipmunks hehehe and lets not forget the singing...Their singing made me smile, like the old days when i was a little kid...Those munks made me smile! Every time they sung they just brings me back to memory lane hehehe...Now the film has it's own share of flaws. Like Jason Lee, well he's a convincing "Dave" but there's just some scenes were he's kinda awkward...like he doesn't mean what he is saying and such but i'll give him A for effort...The Animation/CGI is just perfect "makes you wanna squish those three, most specially Theodore hahaha". The Soundtrack makes up to whatever flaw you may see on the film. Sooo if you don't have anything better to do go watch this film but go inside the theater with an open mind...You'll see "It brings back Memory if you were born in the 80's" So yeah, 10 for me got a problem with that? I don't care just as long as the film made me happy and I'am sure others as well...
Woodland Creatures Do and Say the Darndest Things.
posted on 06 Aug 2009The popular short cartoons which were first born in the 1970s and then exploded with a weekly animated Saturday morning show on NBC throughout the 1980s are reborn yet again via slick computer-generations in this likable, but unspectacular ode to past pop culture ala our friends "The Transformers". Plot is pretty pedestrian as Dave (Jason Lee) accidentally finds talking chipmunks and then unwittingly learns they have amazing musical talent. Music mogul David Cross is the comic book-styled bad guy who only sees green when looking at the lovable little brown creatures as he comes up with an elaborate scheme to market the titled characters with Lee out of the picture completely. Short and fast-paced, this is a fair translation to the silver screen from limited and obsolete resources. In all expect some fun, but nothing critically spectacular. 2.5 out of 5 stars.
Cant believe it was this good
posted on 04 Aug 2009OK, saw it 1st week it came out, then saw it over the winter break holy c*** was it good, i mean for a kid my age(15) i probably would have said OK this movie is a kiddie movie lets go see i am legend, NOPE!!!!! this movie was casted perfectly, and the chipmunks so cute!!!!, only thing was Jason lee do not get me wrong he was good, but only thing was is that he was not aggressive with Alvin, when i say that i mean the typical quote "Alvin, Alvin, Alvin!!!!!!!!" was not the best i have heard, then again he only said it once o well. Great movie, love the singing, By far beat I AM LEGEND only in my opioun. THank you Good night9 out of 10 mo-f******
For The Love Of Family
posted on 29 Jul 2009My 5 year old begged me to take her, and I complied. I had brought a book and an itty bitty book light so I could read during the movie-only to find I didn't even need it.From what I could see, the movie has two messages: the importance of family and also a plug about making young talents overwork themselves with no consideration for their well being.The family part is how Dave Saville-a perma-bachelor who seems to not have his life together enough that he apparently lost a very sweet photographer girlfriend, Claire because he was all over the place-and how he becomes a manager, friend and eventual father figure to 3 talking Chipmunks.We have Alvin, the vain go-getter, who is always got a scheme up his sleeve, Simon, a genius who is always using his noodle to solve situations and Theodore-a loving, sweet emotional dear heart who appears not that smart, but really is just sensitive.Dave ends up with the boys by sheer accident and after learning they can sing, decides to write songs for them, hoping that the songs he writes will perform better being sung by the boys. After a disastrous audition, Dave gets mad and yells at the boys, only to have Simon point out that they had stage fright, and also reminding Dave they are just kids. Dave realizes this and feels bad he yelled at them.The boys decide to make up the fact they blew the impromptu audition by taking a cab to the music producers house, tricking him into letting them in, and eventually singing for him. Ian (the music producer) is amazed, however is manipulative, showering the boys with presents, planning huge events, piling on the junk food, and with no concern for the boys well being.Dave on the other hand becomes a really good parent (even if he doesn't want to admit it). He still has a lot to learn, but his concepts are in the right place. A great example is that for Christmas, he gets the boys savings bonds (not exactly a prime gift, but one that shows he thinks about their future). He also puts the boys money away, fairly. The boys show how they feel about Dave by presenting their Christmas gifts to him: Alvin, in true Alvin fashion, gets Dave a wallet-Dave's existing wallet to be exact, Simon has created a paper clip compass and loving Theodore has drawn a picture of Dave and the boys, the family he explains.Ian on the other hand does what he can to bump Dave out of the loop, and due to some confusion over a letter Dave originally wrote before committing himself to the boys, gain full control of the boys. He manages to do this, working them hard, giving them tons of coffee to keep them alert and awake to handle the long hours(a thin veiled allusion to managers giving performers drugs to stay awake), all the time raking in the cash and having the boys suffer for it. The backup singers and dancers even notice this mistreatment and comment on it, feeling sorry for the sweet boys(who apparently treat them very well, as Dave taught them to).Dave discovers this, and eventually gets the boys back. The ex-girlfriend plot was the weakest area of the film, however the director was smart enough to keep it in the background-although the ex does serve a purpose at a key point, making it possible for Dave to access the boys with her press pass and camera. She also chides Dave on the whole not admitting he really is a dad to the boys. So weak as that plot point was, it had some use.All in all hysterical fun, some great stuff to poke fun at (Dave is supposedly struggling as a song writer, but manages to have a sweet house, all tricked out with appliances, actual food, and knick knacks) and the funniest of those was noted by my 5 year old-Dave finished writing the song and sits the boys down to practice it-they start singing immediately- to which my daughter said how amazing that was. I asked her if she meant the singing Chipmunks and she said no, they learned the words so fast!! I will admit I was skeptical about Jason Lee playing Dave Saville, but he worked very well. All in all a great film to see with your kids, and no itty bitty book light and reading materials needed.
Fantastic
posted on 21 Jul 2009For anyone who was a fan you must go and see this film, it was so funny right from the start. Im 21 years old and i loved it! The story was good and the voices of the little chipmunks were so funny and cute, i just want one. If you want cheering up or are in the mood for a good old laugh, this is the film to see! I have seen it twice now and it just gets funnier each time. It really is worth a watch, there are so many laugh out loud moments and you will not be disappointed with this film. Anyone who watches it and doesn't like it must have something wrong with their sense of humour it was fantastic and so very funny. Very well done, a pleasure to watch and wasn't let down at all.
After 50 years Alvin still has it
posted on 21 Jul 2009(Synopsis) Three chipmunk brothers, Alvin, Simon, and Theodore are living their lives in the forest storing nuts away for the winter when one day their tree is cut down and carried off into the city to become a Christmas tree. They must find a new home and they end up at Dave's house. The only thing that makes them different is that they can talk and even sing. Dave Seville (Jason Lee) is a struggling song writer who has a great idea about making the chipmunks a new show act, singing his songs. The only thing is that you must remember is that they are chipmunks and they act like chipmunks by tearing up Dave's house and interrupting his love life. However, they also begin to bond as a family with Dave becoming like a Dad. The chipmunks become a big hit and superstars with cute voices and fancy dance moves. The record company executive Ian (David Cross) sees big money in his future and takes over the act and pushes Dave to the side. Dave must try to save his little family before they becomes a show biz disaster.(My Comment) I enjoyed this movie because it brought back good memories. I can't believe that their first song was recorded 50 years ago. They have that certain sound that just makes you smile when you hear them. You recognize their sound immediately. The animated characters of Alvin, Simon, and Theodore are lovable now as they were 50 years ago. I always liked it when Dave would scream the name of "Aaaaalviiiiiiiinnnnnnnnnnn!!!" and Alvin would say "OooooK!!!" Those two words just make you smile. Children of all ages can see this movie without any problem. I am sure that all the parents will like it, and I know your child will, because it is a fun movie. (20th Century Fox, Run Time 1:30, Rated PG) (8/10)
Adorable Chipmunks!
posted on 19 Jul 2009This movie has a average user rating of 5.7? C'Mon!! Its funny and those Chipmunks, especially Theodore really tug at your heart strings. I think that little voice could melt the coldest of hearts. Its a great movie to take young children too because there's nothing to be concerned about them viewing. You just gotta love those Chipmunks hoarding their food, coloring and getting sucked up in the vacuum. Its the ultimate feel good movie that sends the right messages. Made me want to go home and eat some toaster waffles! Check out the official website for a description of each of the Chipmunks and some other cool stuff.
Can't get enough of the 'munks
posted on 11 Jul 2009A big surprise of this film is that it does nearly everything just right. Good story (just what is needed and nothing more), great casting, and a wealth of fun, catchy chipmunk tunes. "Alvin and the Chipmunks" engages adult audiences as well as the kids who just can't get enough of those squeaky voices.The film separates itself from other kid movies through its 'intangibles'...simple things from the choice of Dave's home (with the clever address of '1958', the year which started it all) to the facetious opening scene with the three chipmunks "angering a tree" after they "had a bad day".Jason Lee is an outstanding casting choice for Dave Seville, the original Chipmunks guardian/songwriter (and stage-persona of Ross Bagdasarian himself). As Dave, Lee keeps a plausible rapport with the chipmunks, reminiscent of Joel's rapport with the machine creatures of "Mystery Science Theater 3000", only with the added ability to warm to the chipmunks' charm as a reluctant father might."Chipmunks" sticks to the ageless themes of the importance of heeding one's parents and of doing what's wise rather than just what feels good at the time. Dave and his Music Producer Ian Hawke (David Cross) both battle for the chipmunks' attention as symbols of good and bad, respectively.Another big plus for the film are the chipmunks themselves. Alvin, Simon, and Theodore are given greater character distinction and development in this film than in any other Chipmunks production. The CGI art was balanced enough to convey their moods & expressions but without pervading too much of the rest of the real-world movie.The only disappointments were the inevitable ABC (Annoying, Base, Cliché) kid-movie shticks (e.g., rear end/wedgie references, gas moments, etc.), of which the film has a few early infractions but nothing quite able to dispel the chipmunks' puerile charms or to send adults walking out with rolling eyes.Outweighing this are the fun, pathos, and music of a classic trio reborn. All in all, young and old alike will all come out wanting talking chipmunk friends of their own.
* *1/2 out of 4
posted on 11 Jul 2009Three chipmunk brothers, Alvin, Simon, and Theodore are living their lives in the forest storing nuts away for the winter when one day their tree is cut down and carried off into the city to become a Christmas tree. They must find a new home and they end up at Dave's house. The only thing that makes them different is that they can talk and even sing. Dave Seville (Jason Lee) is a struggling song writer who has a great idea about making the chipmunks a new show act, singing his songs. The only thing is that you must remember is that they are chipmunks and they act like chipmunks by tearing up Dave's house and interrupting his love life. However, they also begin to bond as a family with Dave becoming like a Dad. The chipmunks become a big hit and superstars with cute voices and fancy dance moves. The record company executive Ian (David Cross) sees big money in his future and takes over the act and pushes Dave to the side. Dave must try to save his little family before they becomes a show biz disaster.Pretty good family movie for all. Without many flaws, this movie is decent.Rated PG for Profanity.
Could have been so much better
posted on 03 Jul 2009The writers missed so many opportunities and created so many plot holes.Example: When Dave retrieved his keyboard from the rain, I was eagerly anticipating the funny sounds that were going to come out of it. Nothing! Are you kidding me? A truly witty writer would have not only had a field day with that, but it would have eliminated the major problem of the entire audience wondering how a digital keyboard can become completely soaked but then work perfectly.There were at least 10 other similar situations. Overall, small children will enjoy this, parents will endure it without too much complaining.
Loved it (and I'm a teen)
posted on 11 Jun 2009I loved this movie for a multitude of reasons. First reason was that Jason Lee was perfect for this role. I know some may not agree with, this but for some reason this role seems perfect (favorite line: "Ah, this is trippy"). And, hey, he was a heck of a lot better than the actor from Garfield.But the best part about the movie is what happens when you actually listen to the songs that the Chipmunks are singing. Some of them are ridiculously funny when you realize that they are singing about getting girls (The song 'witch doctor' in particular). The lyrics are all fine for all ages so don't worry about that parents, but still the adults will be surprised to hear about the tiny animals singing about having an Escalade.It did stray into predictable territory for the final moments, particularly when Dave finishes the movie in the same manor he always has finished the movies/cartoons (spoiler ahead) by shouting out Alvin's name. It was too stereotypical for me, but it was required as a tribute to the cartoon series. However this didn't affect the film at all.If you're childish, or like watching little animals sing songs, then this is for you.
After A Promising Start It Runs Out Of Steam
posted on 03 Jun 2009As cute and adorable as they are, the story of three singing chipmunks just doesn't seem to have enough meat to it to sustain it for an hour and a half. I thought that the first half hour or so of this movie was well worth watching. It was fun, it had a few laughs in it, it was full of energy. Then it somehow just lost that. I wouldn't even say it faded away, because it seemed quite abrupt to me. The fun was gone; the laughter disappeared. My daughter noticed it, too. She's 4 - she laughed uproariously several times in that first part of the movie, then her laughter stopped. Perhaps it took on too serious a tone - the evil movie producer working the chipmunks to death. Something happened, anyway, and it wasn't for the better.Of course, the movie is trying to tell the story of how the chipmunks (Alvin, Simon and Theodore) began. Everyone knows the Christmas song. Here we discover how they met Dave and got their start. The movie is updated to the present time, although their real origin is noted by Dave's street address of 1958, which was the year when the animated singing rodents were first created. Jason Lee did a pretty good job as Dave and the chipmunk voices were also pretty good. David Cross as the evil Ian irritated me to be blunt, and I couldn't figure out the point of the character of Claire, played by Cameron Richardson. She added little to the movie. It's a movie you can watch with the kids - it's probably a movie you'd only want to watch with the kids, in fact. It gets a 4/10 from me.
Good Movie, Sad Reality
posted on 16 May 2009I went into this movie expecting another ripoff of my past, ultimately destroying a franchise and all nostalgic ability. I am glad to say this is not one of those.One thing I notice myself doing a lot is laughing. There's a lot of giggle moments and a few laugh out loud moments especially involving Theodore. Alvin plays just the same as I remember from my kid-dom days as being a furry version of Dennis the Menace. Simon however seems more like a semi smarter but not smart chipmunk how I remember him being more of a rodent Einstein. Perhaps thats just my own mis-perception. Which brings to mind Dave. I think he is not only the worst portrayed but also worst actor chosen for the role. This isn't Jason Lees fault as much the casting director, for he struggles to play the role, but is just totally wrong for it.The movie does emphasize one major fact and thats how Hollywood pretty much destroys everything for a quick buck, which is kinda ironic considering the movie is a remake of an old franchise which personally would have been happy being left in the past for old time nostalgia.Overall the movie is a good adaptation of an old classic franchise which personally I loved watching and unexpectedly swooned at the beginning of the movie when they sing their Christmas Special original (for those of us who remember.) I especially recommend this for parents wishing to share their past with a modern present which will be enjoyed by the modern era of children.Im glad to see my expectations were far bested, by a job well done, despite its what seems like fatal flaws, down shadowed by excellent acting by all involved. Bravo!!
Great family movie
posted on 06 May 2009This is one of those little gems which is a CGI -animated family movie. This Ross Bagdasarian classic creation has Justin Long playing the voice of Alvin the chipmunk (With the help of digital voice harmonizer) and I assume he is also Simon and Theodore. David David and talk and sing for Seville, played by Jason Lee, is a failed songwriter whose life is invaded by these cute little singing and talking Chipmunks. The Chipmunks are quite fond of him and they decide to resurrect his career as a songwriter and also attempt to repair his relationship. In the process of doing this the lovable Alvin and his Chipmunk mates wind up getting themselves managed and contracted to the Record Company owner Ian Hawke played by David Cross.Alvin and the Chipmunks end up on the treadmill of the contemporary music machine and are heavily exploited to the point of exhaustion until David Seville and his ex-girlfriend discover their situation.A delightful and very cute movie set during Christmas time which is about when it was released in Australia but will remain an evergreen family hit movie for all time. I think its worth seeing on the basis its funny and cute.There is a lot of competition in the CGI-animated family movie market these days and the consequence is a constant stream of high quality classics.
This is a very good animation effort
posted on 30 Aug 2009I don't know why people has rated this animation such low. By the way to my own opinion this is a great animation. I am giving 10/10 against all other votes to take this one least 0.01 up. The things I see in this animation,Chipmunk's actions, so cute, so impressionable. The characteristic of each of the chipmunks has been created very carefully, and it is consistence through out the film. The story shows us the real business world behind the music world. The movie is very sensitive. This is a very good animation effort. Please study this film and take your own decision.