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Alvin and the Chipmunks (2007)

Director: Tim Hill

Time Out rating

Average user rating

100 reviews

Synopsis

Based on the popular cartoon series, this is a big-screen outing for a trio of chipmunks who sing pop favourites in an inimitable high-pitch vocal style. When their natural habitat is destroyed by loggers, Alvin and his fellow chipmunks Simon and Theodore end up in LA where they befriend struggling musician Dave (Jason Lee). Discovering their vocal talent, Dave introduces them to record firm boss Ian, who makes stars of the furry creatures. But will chart success and the rock-and-roll lifestyle spoil the innocent chipmunks?

Movie review

From Time Out London

If the idea of Alvin and his chirruping chipmunks friends sounds familiar, it should: the sped-up, squeaky voices of the cartoon creatures have been irritating audiences since the ’50s smash hit ‘The Chipmunk Song’. This live action version sees the computer-generated furry trio Alvin, Simon and Theodore wind up in LA when their tree is felled for Christmas. Not so much innocents abroad as sussed little mammals who speak like urban teens, they become the toast of the town thanks to their vocal talents. The musical numbers are initially appealing – think close harmonies and smart foot stepping to the likes of ‘Funkytown’ – but the novelty is likely to wear thin for adults when the ’munks get kitted out as a street boy band. Jason Lee pratfalls away amusingly enough as the songwriter who becomes the boys’ reluctant father figure, and his wry approach lends an edge to some of the script’s wittier moments. But the story’s downhill slide into a hypocritical rant about commerce and the music industry does it no favours.

Author: Anna Smith

Time Out London Issue 1948: December 19 2007-January 1 2008

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User reviews of this film

brendan said...

Posted on Dec 14 2009 09:26 lovely and jubly

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Debbie said...

Posted on Aug 12 2009 19:43 This film is absolutely FANTASTIC! My children (aged 8 & 10) and I watched it together and we all rated it 5 stars (If there was 10 stars I would have rated it 10 stars) We love Theodore as he is soooooooo cute and gorgeous. You HAVE to buy this dvd..... It is great!!!!! From Mummy, Sissy and Brother

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beki said...

Posted on Feb 09 2009 10:59 i can't count the amount of times i've sat and watched this film over and over again. it is so funny and i love watching it.

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Elaine said...

Posted on Aug 12 2008 16:56 I've watched the chipmunks since I was a little girl. They are sooo cute and awesome. I love the scene where Alvin finds the cheeseballs and the songs they sing are incredible. Wonderful job movie makers!! I hope to see more.

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CG said...

Posted on Jul 19 2008 09:09 Its a BRILLIANT movie. go and see it. The chipmunks are so CUTE and they ROCK. Its a must see movie. I was laughing all the way through. lol

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Soph said...

Posted on Jun 21 2008 13:51 If you watched the Alvin & the chipmunks show ever when you was little - youll love this. Its a more updated funnier version and its got good songs =) Itl keep you laughing and dancing in your seat expecially the witch doctor song, on the joruney home youll have it in your head and be singing it !! its a must see !

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Angela said...

Posted on May 16 2008 12:49 Great film, my 2 daughters thought so too! It was funny & emotional without being too much of either for my young girls. Definitely a must see! Enjoy

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Mr Div said...

Posted on May 03 2008 10:21 I was having a really good time and then the film started and ruined it.

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CFCB said...

Posted on Apr 23 2008 19:00 It was awsomeeeeeee

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BOOW CHICKA WOW WOW!!! said...

Posted on Apr 15 2008 16:01 it is totaly bin!!! JOKING!!! It is wick in many ways and is soo cute it made me feel lik cryin!lol! RECOMENDED. boow chicka wow wow!! it is funny, cute and to the mean guy i say, '' go away!!!'' i hate him. ow wel the rest is brill. no1. cool

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the random guy said...

Posted on Apr 14 2008 18:45 weird voice chipmunks singin how can that not appea; 2 people

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katy said...

Posted on Apr 12 2008 21:48 omg me n michelle whached this when we was in america it was mint it was so funny mi michelle n mi dad couldnt stop lafin lol soo wach it woooooop :)

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Sophie said...

Posted on Mar 16 2008 12:30 I think this is a very very extremely good film!

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So said...

Posted on Mar 16 2008 12:28 Alvin and the chipmunks was great! i loved it! it should get 6 stars. any age will love this!

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Toots said...

Posted on Mar 13 2008 09:08 hilarious took 6 yr old & he laughed all the way through also good for teenagers as daughter loved every minute of it. Worth the money & would see it again anyone with young children & older would certainly enjoy it.....

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