9 out of 10 (according to my kids)
Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel is a harmless, cute and amusing family film. Sure the humor is puerile and sophomoric at best (toilet humor reigns supreme here), but while watching it, I realized that it really shouldn’t matter what I think of this movie. It’s not meant for me, it is quintessentially a movie for kids and therefore it should be reviewed by them. With that in mind, I’ve interviewed both my nine year old daughter and my six year old son to see what they thought of the movie.
Before getting to their reviews I’ll give you a little plot summary. The Chipmunks are huge rock stars and while performing at a concert, their guardian, Dave Seville (Jason Lee) is injured. Dave has to stay at the hospital to mend his broken bones for a couple of weeks, so the furry little guys wind up in the care of Dave’s nephew, eternal man-child, Toby (Zachary Levi). The boys head to high school where they are enlisted by their principal to help save the school’s music program by winning a talent contest. Meanwhile the boys’ evil ex-manager, Ian Hart (David Cross) has discovered a talented group of female singing chipmunks known as the Chipettes. In order to get his career back on track, Ian needs the Chipettes to beat Alvin and the boys at the talent show. Will the Chipmunks win the talent show? Will the Chipettes realize that Ian Hart is a bad, bad man? And that my friends, is the basic plot. Without further adieu, I give you an honest review of The Squeakquel from members of its target audience.
Emily, age 9
1- Did you like the movie? Why?
Yes. There were a lot of funny parts and the chipmunks are so cute.
2- Who’s your favorite chipmunk and why?
Alvin because he’s cool. I like the big “A” on his shirt. I also like the way he sticks up for his brothers.
3- Who’s your favorite Chipette and why?
I like Brittany because she sticks up for her sisters and doesn’t let Ian be mean to them. I also like the way she sings.
4- What did you think of Dave’s nephew Toby?
I like Toby because he was silly and shy around the girl he liked.
5- What did you think of Ian Hart?
Ian was a weird, ugly jerk and every time he was on screen, I wanted to throw popcorn at it.
6- What was your favorite part of the movie?
My favorite part was when Theodore was sad so he crawled into bed with Toby and then was trapped under the covers when Toby farted. It was so funny!
7- Would you recommend this movie to your friends?
Yes, I would definitely tell my friends to see it.
Billy, age 6
1- Did you like the movie? Why?
Yes because the Chipettes were hot. It was also funny.
2- Who’s your favorite chipmunk and why?
Alvin because he’s good at football and he rocks on the guitar.
3- Who’s your favorite Chipette and why?
Brittany because she’s so pretty.
4- What did you think of Dave’s nephew Toby?
I like Toby because he plays video games just like me.
5- What did you think of Ian Hart?
He was a big, stupid jerk and I wanted to punch him in the face.
6- What was your favorite part of the movie?
I liked when Alvin rode the motorcycle and saved the Chipettes.
7- Would you recommend this movie to your friends?
Yes because they will think it’s great.
There you have it, two very positive reviews for Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel. As an adult it may not be the best movie you’ll ever see, but your kids are gonna love it.