OOO EEE OOO AH AH!

For many of us our childhood was filled with the memory of three little voices singing in beautiful high pitched harmony. Granted those voices were sped up singers whose altered versions were representing three loveable rodents, but to us it didn’t matter. Alvin and the Chipmunks were as real as anything else on TV. Now, Alvin and his brothers Simon and Theodore receive an update and it’s not half bad.

David Seville (Jason Lee of MY NAME IS EARL) is a down on his luck songwriter whose songs are too cutesy for ex-friend and mega mogul record producer Ian (David Cross). But all that changes when he inadvertently comes across three singing chipmunks that turn his song about Christmas wishes into what is a potential blockbuster. Once Ian hears the song and realizes the potential, he comes across big time with a set up that will make the boys stars.

Dave, while trying to set boundaries up letting the three know that they are working together and nothing more, begins to grow attached to the little guys. He may be strict on a few items but he has their best interests at heart. Not so Ian.

Ian sees nothing more than dollar signs when he hears them singing. He begins a campaign to lure them away and make them the latest pop sensations of the world. His lavishing of gifts and wooing of the boys via their egos results in Dave being left behind while Alvin and his brothers live a life of luxury and non stop toys.

But all of this comes with a price as the chipmunks are worked non-stop. New records, merchandise and a worldwide concert tour take their toll and they reach a point of exhaustion. Too bad Ian sees them only as rodents that are there to do nothing more than increase the size of his wallet.

It’s up to Dave and his old girlfriend to save the day and rescue Alvin, Simon and Theodore. But will they be too late? Will the boys finally realize that Dave was right all along? And will Ian be able to stop any attempt at rescue that is made?

Okay face it, you know the outcome of a movie like this. It’s not the answer to that question that makes you watch. It’s more about the interplay between the characters, even if three of them are computer generated. You still find yourselves attracted to the cute little guys and want the best for them.

The movie features over the top performances by all cast members, but that should be expected in a movie aimed at the elementary school level audience. They’ll be more interested in the three main characters anyway and touched by scenes such as Theodore climbing into bed to sleep with Dave after having a nightmare.

At least two classic Chipmunk songs are featured here, one sounding much like the original while the second gets an update. A few scattered gastro intestinal jokes are offered for the new generation, but on the whole this is a movie that the entire family can watch together. That alone makes this movie a fun watch for everyone.