Alvin And The Chipmunks (2007)

Jun.06, 2007 by Reid in Previews: DVD, Trailers

Directed by:
Tim Hill

Studios:
20th Century Fox

MPAA Rating: PG for some mild rude humor
Theatrical Release: December 14, 2007
DVD Release: April 01, 2008

Synopsis:

Alvin, Simon & Theodore are three superstar chipmunks who constantly get into trouble in between singing in their band, Alvin & The Chipmunks. And who cleans up after them? Their father/manager, David Seville (Lee), who found them abandoned on his doorstep when they were young. This CGI/live-action film is based on the cartoon show of the same name.

Our Thoughts:

With Garfield’s successful translation to the big screen, it was inevitable that his fellow kids’ tv show stars should follow along in his path. While the Transformers have gotten themselves live-actioned in the biggest movie of the summer (appropriately named Transformers (2007)), Alvin and his pals are following directly in Garfield’s footsteps: Alvin, Simon & Theodore are CGI, Dave isn’t (he’s played by Jason Lee, of “My Name Is Earl” fame).

This is probably the best way these chipmunks could have made their big-screen debut - especially since both The Garbage Pail Kids and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles tried the live-action route years back - and we all know how completely that failed. So, this year, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have gotten a CGI makeover - and now so will Alvin & The Chipmunks.

Let’s just hope Alvin has the star power to force a decent script - one that won’t turn this into as boring a film as Garfield’s first foray into movies (and probably his second, although I haven’t seen it yet) proved to be.

But, just in case Alvin’s star has become a bit tarnished over the years, I think I’ll wait for DVD for this one.

My big question: what’s the hold-up on THE hot cartoon of the 80’s, “G.I. Joe”?