AL-l-l-vin-n-n!! OooKay, Dave!

I first heard those words…uh, those in the title of my review… when I was roughly four to five years old. Today, Saturday, December 29, 2007, I sat in the AMC theater of my neighborhood mall hearing them again – this time with my eldest son and his son – my four-year-old grandson! There’s something to be said about continuity, history, family, and tradition, isn’t it? You figure it out.


Mem—o-o-ries

A funny thing. Memories. They create the stuff on which our lives and futures are based. My first introduction to the Chipmunks was courtesy of my Uncle Bubba, my mother’s older brother. He was in the Army and stationed in Okinawa. We were always happy to hear from Bubba because he was fun! More like us kids than like our parents. One day we got a package from Hawaii, addressed to us kids (my two brothers and myself) and inside were three leis, two ukuleles, a grass skirt, and a phonograph with several 45 rpm records in brilliant colors (reds, greens, yellows), including 3 by Alvin and the Chipmunks! [For those of you too young to understand the last two gifts referenced above, ask your parents!] LOL

A note accompanying the package explained that the phonograph and records were for me since he would probably not be able to get another package home before my birthday. [Of course, being the only girl among the three of us, the grass skirt was mine, too, as well as one of the three leis, silly.] I played the Chipmunks’ records for the first time as soon as it was established as belonging to me and instantly fell in love with them.


Dave and The Boys

I knew the story [the original one only slightly different from this 2007 remake; not worth ‘splitting hairs’ over]. But, as I sat there laughing and exchanging glances with my son and grandson, as Dave and his boys entertained and delighted me and two of my three boys, it was as if I too were seeing this classic tale for the very first time.

David “Dave” Seville (Jason Lee) is an advertising agent --his day job-- who aspires to be a song writer. As it happens, his college chum and “friend”, Ian (David Cross), is a recording mogul and the head of his own entertainment promotions & management agency. Dave pays his old friend a visit, bringing along a recording of a song he’s written but finds Ian’s not at all impressed. In fact, Ian candidly advises his pal to forget trying to write songs altogether. Dave leaves the production offices dejected, but fate sends a little ‘something’ along, unbeknownst to him, to add an element of hope to his dream.

Three chipmunks, unintentional hitchhikers via a Christmas tree [which originated in a nearby forest and was just installed in the building’s lobby], covertly attach themselves to the disillusioned would-be-lyric writer on his way out. The shy, timid, short, cuddly Theodore (voice of Jesse McCartney) is prone to nightmares, but is not afraid to seek comfort from his new ‘benefactor’ in the wee hours of the night when he cannot sleep. A slim, tall Simon (Matthew Gray Gubler, voice) attempts to use his quiet, logical qualities to keep the mischievous, charismatic ringleader of the group, Alvin (voiced by Justin Long) from wrecking havoc over all.

For a lyricist with a lack of appeal to ‘push his talent’ three adorable, but curious, precocious, and tremendously active ‘orphaned’ forest creatures does not seem at first to be a viable solution to his overwhelming problems. Add a dash of trouble with his sluggish efforts to repair his relationship with Claire (Cameron Richardson) -- his ex who he’s desperately trying to make his current and the loss of career, then stir. You get the recipe for madness. Yet, Dave’s only stab at realizing his songwriter dreams depends upon the unexpected singing talents the trio of furry dynamos, who are little more than babes, as Dave discovers early in their unusual ‘relationship’. This tiny fact, ironically, is the secret ingredient to the recipe that makes all the difference—in the end.


the cast, the characters, the story

One of the things that characterized the chipmunks, for me was always their voices! Would the movie be successful in preserving the personalities of Simon, Theodore, and Alvin sufficiently to satisfy me? I was pleased to find that once the movie got started, I gave my preliminary apprehensions on that matter no more thought.

Next, Dave and Claire’s ‘romance’ was not the excessively pervasive presence of many other storylines in countless movies with similar back story themes. No cloying dramatics to detract from the present story meant a more fluid flow that acted to keep the true audience (the under 12 year olds) interested and connected to the movie.

As a friend, Ian proved the old adage ”With friends like you, who needs enemies” ground for legs to stand on. ;)He presented the ideal entertainment mogul with his eye ever on the prize, one hand firmly around its neck and the other in its pocket. I must say, however, though his technique was slimy, his praise, acknowledgment, and pay-out to cooperating parties was generous. Personally, I’ve never found David Cross’s characters appealing in any of his past credits (Men in Black, 1 & 2; Small Soldiers; the Drew Carey & Ben Stiller Shows). In Alvin and the Chipmunks, he fit his character to perfection, actually giving life in places where an almost flat performance by his human co-stars could have made the project go B-o-o-M in a ‘not good’ kind of way. Imagine that!


behind the scenes

In 1958, Ross Bagdasarian, Sr. created these vibrant little creatures whose version of Witch Doctor was a recording hit sensation. Needless to say, Ross [and his ‘discovery’ of this talented trio of unusually endearing rodents] is, with little doubt, a whole lot like his character Dave Seville.

Under the talented production of H.B. “Buck” Lewis, character designer, the animated stars came alive on the screen. Alvin, Simon, and Theodore were just as vital, as life-like, as Dave, Ian, or Claire and interacted seamlessly with their co-stars; backups, dancers, and fans [yeah, this ‘boy band’ had its very own backup singers & choreographed dancers]; and character extras. Lewis’s credits as character designer include Lilo & Stitch, Antz,
Over the Hedge,Madagascar, and Bee Movie. His artistry in visual development can be seen in big screen animated flicks which include Ice Age, Cars, and Ratatouille.



CLOSING THOUGHTS

I loved it! My grandson was fascinated by it! My son was non-committal. Oh, well. Two out of three ain’t bad.

In the subject matter, language, and age-appropriate situations departments, this was an excellent choice for the holidays. For those adults who complained that they were not overly-impressed. I say: GOOD! That means the story was written for children. People let’s get real here. If it’s interesting and highly entertaining to you, exciting your every emotional system in a sensational, noteworthy way, chances are it’s not suitable for children under 13! Maybe you should consider a higher-rated movie?

On the other hand, this is truly family, kid-friendly viewing. If you have children under 13, I recommend this one, thumbs up and hands down!


Alvin and the Chipmunks was produced by Ross Bagdasarian, Jr.--son to originator of The Chipmunks characters and story, among others.



****** Cast for Alvin and the Chipmunks – The Movie ******
(credits – first billed)

~~ Written by:
*(creator of story & characters Alvin and the Chipmunks) Ross Bagdasarian, Sr.
*(story & screenplay) Jon Vitti
*(screenplay) Will McRobb
*(screenplay) Chris Viscardi

~~ Directed by Tim Hill


Jason Lee ... Dave
David Cross ... Ian
Cameron Richardson ... Claire
Justin Long ... Alvin (voice)
Jane Lynch ... Gail
Matthew Gray Gubler ... Simon (voice)
Jesse McCartney ... Theodore (voice)
Jillian Barberie ... Herself
Chris Classic ... DJ

Alvin and the Chipmunks produced in:
*Color
*Aspect ratio: 1.85 : 1
*Dolby
Runtime: 90 mins
MPAA Rating: PG (for some mild rude humor.)


As always, thanks for reading, rating and commenting.

Happy New Year! Make it safe, successful and satisfying!!

© Edwyne Rouchelle, 2007