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By Shawn Estes
from WillametteLive, Section Screen
Posted on Fri Dec 14, 2007 at 08:00:48 AM PDT
Before The Gorillaz, there was another powerhouse of animated characters who rocked their way to the top of the charts. Alvin and the Chipmunks have 5 Emmy awards to their name and a family legacy that is sure to continue into the next generation. The Chipmunks have released many albums covering popular songs since the late 50s. In 1983, The Chipmunks were re-imagined for a new generation. Now 50 years later, a new generation of fans are being introduced via the new theatrical release of "Alvin and The Chipmunks." For newcomers who have yet to be introduced to the characters, there's Dave Seville, the human songwriter who discovers the chipmunks and acts as their manager. Then there's the chipmunks: Alvin, the prima-donna rock star who tends to be the mischievous one; Simon, the intellectual one; and Theodore, the sweet one. How do you know who is who? Alvin sports a big yellow A on his red shirt, Simon wears glasses, and Theodore is slightly chubby. In the new movie, Jason Lee stars as Dave Seville. The chipmunks are voiced by Justin Long (Alvin), Matthew Gray Gubler (Simon), Jesse McCartney (Theodore). The movie co-stars David Cross, as Ian, the former college friend of Dave's, who has gone on to become the sleazy owner of a recording company. Dave, an unsuccessful songwriter, discovers the talking Chipmunks and has them sing his songs to his recording company contact. As the Chipmunks hit it big, greed overtakes Ian and he tries to separate the chipmunks from Dave.
The movie opens with the chipmunks working on their winter storage of acorns while busting out a cover of Daniel Powter's "Bad Day." Watch for chipmunk-sized beat boxing by Theodore and Simon. The chipmunks serenade Dave with "Only You (And You Alone)" to win him over. There is a classic version of "The Christmas Song" and then later a remixed rock version. Die-hard fans will find the hip-hop version of "The Witch Doctor" appalling. The classic version of the song does not appear in the movie, but is on the official soundtrack that has already been released.
It is a live action movie, but the chipmunks are computer generated. The CGI is well done and the chipmunk's mannerisms come off very realistic and similar to the 2-D cartoon versions. A big improvement in technology has been made since "Garfield." the last popular live action/CGI. The voice work is performed well, and high-pitched filters help their vocal expressions match the cartoon.
The animated performances are the bright spot of the movie. Lee and Cross tend to overact throughout the movie. Despite both of them being talented actors, it seems like talking to invisible objects may have gotten the best of them. Even Lee's delivery of Dave's signature "ALLLLVVVVVVIIIINNN" yell seems forced. Younger children have always been the target group for Alvin and The Chipmunks and their hi-jinks will bring them enjoyment.
Older fans of Alvin and The Chipmunks may be disappointed that the chipmunks have gone hip-hop. But these are new chipmunks for a new generation. If you fear disappointment, bring a child with you to the theatre. That way you can focus on the next generation's perspective, rather than getting caught up in your own nostalgia.
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