Like small furry animals that talk?  How about rockin’ pop tunes from the 80’s to today?  Well then you can’t go wrong with AC3 (Alvin & The Chipmunks ‘Chipwrecked’ – the 3^rd in the film series).  I’ve always had fond memories of the old ‘Chipmunk’ TV shows, but must confess – had never seen the previous 2 films.  I may have to take a look back.  Not only was this film fun and engaging (yes, even for adults), but at its heart is a message of family and responsibility that even had me choked up for a minute (just for a minute).

Missing the first two films doesn’t change much in AC3, the story stands on its own.  The three world famous singing munks Alvin, Simon, Theodore are joined by their equally talented female counterparts Brittany, Eleanor & Jeannette for a deluxe cruise with owner Dave in tow.  When they’re partying gets too crazy and a stunt goes awry, the six ‘Munks end up marooned on a tropical island with no adult supervision.  As they slowly discover the other inhabitants, and their hapless owner Dave aimlessly searches for them, the usually reckless Alvin is forced into becoming an adult for the first time.  We know Simon has always been the voice of reason for the male trio, but when he falls ill (or is it insane?) after exposure to an island root, Alvin is forced to keep the gang together while they work through their eventual rescue.   Unknown to the ‘Munks, owner Dave is in pursuit, aided by the Chipette’s ex scumbag manager Ian.

 

Ok, back to this emotional sentiment.  It could be me (a happily married guy with kids), or it could be the work of Director Mike Mitchell (Shrek Forever After), but something really got me to care towards the end.  When Dave is reunited with the ‘Munks, even the happiness in their finale performance which was mired in the joy you’d feel just after you were rescued from a bad situation – it just made me feel really good (and a ‘bit Klimt’ talk amongst yourselves!).

 

The casts of these Chipmunk films never get any true recognition because their voices are being synthesized.  I defy you to actually hear the voices of the talent on display here.  Justin Long (Alvin), Amy Poehler of SNL fame (Eleanor), Anna Faris (Jeannette), singer Jesse McCartney (Theodore), Christina Applegate as chubby little Eleanor – it’s inspired casting but essentially a waste of good talent.  Why not team up that same crew of voices in an ACTUAL animated film, hell that writes itself.  Rumor has it comedian David Cross (plays Ian in the film) is claiming this to be the worst experience in his life – all I can speak for is his execution as an attempt at comic relief.  It was bad.  He’s better than this kind of film, although I understand the drive that ‘gotta pay the bills’ brings.

 

This film’s gonna be a bit bigger than the kiddie pre-teen market I think.  The competition this week is stiff, but I see a strong opening in the 15-20M range.  It skews older.  Especially with a large chunk aboard a cruise ship.  That’s inspired moviemaking from a demographic appeal perspective.  It’s a cruise ship!  It’s completely believable that there would be people aged 6 to 60, so any hijinx or mayhem scenario you run you can design to appeal to a really large movie going base – it’s perfect and teens will like that..oh yeah – they’ll dig the cool Beyonce all girls dance off too.

 

B+

 

Alvin & The Chipmunks, Chipwrecked is rated PG for some mild rude humor.  Running Time, 92 minutes.