The Chipmunks' Triumphant Return

[wwfpooh]

Exactly. But recall what occured with the 2003 cartoon...which was similar in style...until they pulled that "Fast Forward" garbage.

 

[frogboy4]

Expect a review this evening. I've heard that it's very "Sell, Sell, Sell!" throughout the picture. I expected this, reviewers must have as well, so it seems to be especially pronounced in this film. Reports are that it is very much for the kids. But heck, it can't be any more boring than Bee Movie can it? I doubt I'd be making a special trip for this if not for the cineplex across the street. That and my general love for movies. Saving I Am Legend to see with my partner next week. I'm trying to go into this pic with an open mind, but have heard rumors of two poop jokes making it in. I thought that was just for the trailers. We'll see in 90 minutes or so.

 

[Fozzie Bear]

I saw the movie tonight. There's been no marketing, hardly any commercialism for the film, and the theater was packed! I laughed, and didn't expect to. It was funny, fun, enjoyable (although predictable) and if you are a Chipmunk fan at all you should go see it.

I think there will be a sequel. This film is a set-up story for sure.

I felt comfortable with the Chipmunks, the fact that there are little points made throughout for the fans (some of the songs were covered by the Chipmunks). I didn't like the raisin/poop joke, but the rest of the audience did.

As a matter of fact, at the end of some of the songs the audience applauded, and the film closed to applause here.

I really liked it. 3.5 mule kicks out of 5!

 

[frogboy4]

Note - there are a few spoilers - C+

Alvin & the Chipmunks: The New CG Movie​

Waking up early for Saturday morning cartoons was a fun part of my childhood and of course Alvin and the Chipmunks were in the line-up of weekly shows I enjoyed. The big question about the film – are these those Chipmunks – Alvin, Simon and Theodore? The answer is yes and no. Mostly, yes.

First off, the film is live action with beautifully made CG elements. The characters do look different and slightly more real, but even in the opening sequence of the gang in the forest with the beloved rodents naked and in their natural habitat it is easy to tell them apart. The expressions and animation are handled nicely. There are some endearing moments that depended on quality animation and I think it pays off. And in one part they even wear shoes.

I can better see Bob Sagat as Chipmunk caretaker, songwriter and foster father Dave more easily than Jason Lee, but Lee does a capable job. There’s no reason to have cast him as the part doesn’t allow for much skill. Dave could have been played by anyone. It is especially grating and forced when he utters the trademark “Aaaaaaaalviiiiiin!”

The gimmick of recasting the Bagdassarian’s voice artistry for the characters is pointless. Fans that want the original voices are the only ones who will be able to notice. Like Dave Seville, they could have cast anyone here. I didn’t find it offensive except that it sounds like new voices (likely not even Justin Long. Matthew Gray Gubler or Jesse McCartney) covered the classic Chipmunk Christmas Song and Witch Doctor. Yes, the filmmakers were thoughtful enough to include that.

There is much criticism of the music industry in the film that would be much cooler if it didn’t seem like this very movie is guilty of some of the same behavior in its being. David Cross does a great job at playing a sleazy record company executive. There are many pop music covers, but the Chipmunks did that in the 80s so I can’t fault them for that. I just wish it weren’t so heavily hip-hop centered. Isn’t that genre over yet?

There is some gross-out humor that I could have done without, but these moments are seen in the trailer. It is Simon (not Alvin as previously pictured) that eats then spits out the “raisin” to save Theodore. Alvin passes wind under a kitchen towel to escape Dave when he first discovers the rodent invasion. There’s also a mention of Dave becoming gassy when he discusses uncomfortable subjects such as family.

Unfortunately most of the story unfolds like a paint-by-number script. Dave finds Chipmunks, Chipmunks get a record contract, Dave and the Chipmunks have a falling out that resolves itself, and the Chipmunks reunite with Dave who gets the girl. This project, however neatly self-contained, appears to be the beginning of others. There is little story to fill ninety-minutes and some moments and I noticed the audience feel that. It is very cute. When I got a restless, I just focused on the cute and wow factors of the Chipmunks.

In the credits there is a dedication to Chipmunks creator Ross Bagdasarian accompanied by images of all of their album cover art through the years. This includes the Chipmunk Adventure soundtrack (that I have to admit great preference over this film). It demonstrates the visual and historical growth of the characters. I will give this incarnation another chance, providing there’s more of a plot to a possible follow-up film. The biggest up-side to this motion picture is that it will serve to stir-up interest in other Chipmunk projects.

There are some commercial endorsements, but not as many as expected. And I happen to like Goldfish crackers. They are, in my opinion, the perfect food!This film at least attempts to pay homage, but in the end comes up a little short. If you must see it, the film is cute. But if you have too many issues with the pitch wait for the video store or television broadcast. I’m certain even the most fickle of fans will find a moment that rings true. I happened to adore the Theodore moments.

C+

 

[SSLFan]

I saw the movie tonight. There's been no marketing, hardly any commercialism for the film, and the theater was packed! I laughed, and didn't expect to. It was funny, fun, enjoyable (although predictable) and if you are a Chipmunk fan at all you should go see it.

I think there will be a sequel. This film is a set-up story for sure.

I felt comfortable with the Chipmunks, the fact that there are little points made throughout for the fans (some of the songs were covered by the Chipmunks). I didn't like the raisin/poop joke, but the rest of the audience did.

As a matter of fact, at the end of some of the songs the audience applauded, and the film closed to applause here.

I really liked it. 3.5 mule kicks out of 5!

Glad you enjoyed it. Now I MUST see it for sure!

 

[wwfpooh]

*shrugs* To me, as cute or enjoyable as it may be, it's just isn't the same with the voices changed and all three of the 'munks acting like Alvin for a good run of the film (i.e. Simon is supposed to be the smart, intelligent one and thus, isn't supposed to be as flirty as one of the previews made him seem).

 

[SSLFan]

I'm surprised that Yahoo! Movies critics gave the film a D+, although I never really pay attention to what critics say in the first place.

 

[wwfpooh]

I'm surprised that Yahoo! Movies critics gave the film a D+, although I never really pay attention to what critics say in the first place.

Y!M must be full of hardcore 'munks fans.

 

[frogboy4]

*shrugs* To me, as cute or enjoyable as it may be, it's just isn't the same with the voices changed and all three of the 'munks acting like Alvin for a good run of the film (i.e. Simon is supposed to be the smart, intelligent one and thus, isn't supposed to be as flirty as one of the previews made him seem).

That isn't the way it is played in the actual film. All three are distinct and retain their classic personality. That one clip with Simon is entirely taken out of context and doesn't carry through the rest of the picture. That was in a scene where fame had gone to all the munk's heads.

The voice recasting, however, is pointless. Only die-hard fans will really know or care so I don't understand why the filmmakers wanted to go that rout. But I went with it and the film appears to have Bagdassarian’s blessing and involvement. There are several obvious and subtle nods in the film for fans. I just wish they had written more substance. Much of the film consists of independent scenes strung together.

I'm anxious to see the box office. I'm curious to see how this film is actually received. There seems to be a large divide between critics and moviegoers. What else is new? The critics didn't seem to want to like a Chipmunks film in the first place. Many stated that they were "over" by the 80s. We'll know tomorrow.

 

[D'Snowth]

I'm surprised that Yahoo! Movies critics gave the film a D+, although I never really pay attention to what critics say in the first place.

Um... isn't a D supposed to be a failing grade anyway? I was always taught it was. My mom used to spank me whenever I got a D on my report card.

I'm surprised Bee Movie has been getting such negative reviews, I thought it was terrific!