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Movie Review: Alvin & The Chipmunks – Chipwrecked

By Dr. Rus Jeffrey on | From framebyframe.godlaughs.net

Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked

Rated G for some mild rude humor.
Genre: Animation, adaptation, kids, family, comedy, sequel
Running Time: 1 hour 27 minutes

Dave, the Chipmunks and the Chipettes all enjoy fun and mischief on a luxury cruise ship before their sea-faring vacation takes an unexpected detour to an uncharted island. Once Chipwrecked on the island it seems the harder Alvin and the gang search for a way back to civilization, the more obvious it becomes they’re not alone on the secluded island paradise.

Another Alvin Adventure!

Right out of the gate it’s very important to remember Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked is Rated G for a reason. It is aimed directly at the younger crowd. While it’s spot on for it’s target audience, after about 20 minutes of this latest installment in what seems to be now a never-ending-string-of-Chipmunk-movies-every-Christmas I found myself saying – “This better get a whole lot better real soon”.

As long as you remember this is a movie aimed at kids you will probably enjoy it from time to time during it’s hour and half viewing time.

I do understand the fascination with releasing these Chipmunk movies during Christmas. But there comes a time when those involved in this franchise realize it’s time to take some time off. Actually, I’m not sure what’s worse – the endless stream of Christmas Chipmunk movies – or – the fact that one of the trailers before the movie started is for another Madagascar movie! Come on people…we didn’t need a Madagascar 3 movie and we certainly don’t need a number 4 in that series.

But…I digress here…

When it comes to Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked we will say this much. It is better than the previous movie in this franchise. After the popularity of the re-imagined Alvin and the Chipmunks back in 2007 those involved in the series decided to put out a sequel – or as they called it The Squeakquel - in 2009. That movie turned out to be nothing more than a money grab. While it did grab a lot of money, the movie lacked in the area of substance and direction.

Now as we fast forward to this 2011 installment, it seems the writers decided to show up for work and actually give some kind of substance when it came to story line. While the movie does jump from topic to topic at times, for the most part, there is a story line which tries to hold up through the entire flick. The refreshing aspect of this Chipmunks movie also revolves around the fact that real story line punch is nicely wrapped up by the end of the movie. I must admit this was a pleasant surprise for me about this movie. So parents, while you may struggle to sit through Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked with your kids, be on the look out for a great lesson by movies end.

Overall – as adults – we really didn’t care much for Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked. But as reviewers we have to once again remind ourselves this movie is not aimed at us. With a G rating those involved in this latest Chipmunk release have a clear younger audience target group. When it comes to the younger audience, they hit bulls eye of the target. We do applaud the writers for not stooping to rude and crude humor. The kids will love this movie! Parents on the other hand watch the an eye for wonderful life lessons which you can talk about after the movie.

Enjoy the show!

Dr. Rus