Alvin and the Chipmunks, a global treasure that has delighted three generations of fans, comes to the big screen for the first time.. The live - action / CGI motion picture event brings together the celebrated history of its beloved characters - Dave Seville and singing chipmunks Alvin, Simon and Theodore - adding a new comic sensibility and edge..

Rated: [ G ]

Cinema release: 3rd January 2008

Running time: 90 minutes

Stars: Jason Lee, David Cross, Justin Long ( Voice of Alvin ), Matthew Gray Gubler ( Voice of Simon ) Jesse McCartney ( Voice of Theodore ), Cameron Richardson

Based on the 1980’s cartoon series, Alvin and the Chipmunks is not only a treat for all the Chipmunk fans who grew up watching the cartoon TV series every afternoon, but will also certainly win the hearts of those who are being introduced to three loveable ‘munks - Alvin, Simon and Theodore - for the first time..

The lives of the Chipmunks are changed forever, when their home ( A tree in the woods ) is cut down and carried off into the city to become a Christmas tree.. Now homeless, the Chipmunks must find a new home and after jumping into a basket of muffins, the Chipmunks end up at Dave’s house..

When Dave ( Jason Lee ), a struggling song writer, discovers the talking, singing and dancing Chipmunks have set up home at his house, his life is turned upside down, but he allows them to stay on the condition that they sing his songs.. Alvin, Simon and Theodore ( Voiced by Justin Long, Mathew Gray Gubler, and Jesse McCartney ) soon become mega stars and it isn’t long before record company executive Ian ( David Cross ) tries to take over the Chipmunks act and push Dave away.. Dave then realises that he misses his ” kids ” and goes on a mission to try and save his little family..

They’ve covered just about every genre of popular music, from the country stylings of Garth Brooks to the top of the pop charts with songs from Madonna and Michael Jackson.. I’m not sure how many times the little guys have been reinvented, but the music has always been at the heart of their adventures, and this latest retelling sticks to that tradition..

Ultimately this movie has a little bit of something for everyone.. Folks who grew up listening to The Chipmunks will be delighted by the return of classic songs like ” Christmas Don’t Be Late ” and ” Witch Doctor,” both of which are cleverly woven into the plot.. Youngsters who have never met the characters before ( Which shouldn’t be surprising since they haven’t been in theaters in over 20 years ) will be excited and entertained by all the slapstick antics.. Everyone else in between can enjoy the charming script and holiday - appropriate story about what’s really important in life.. Pay no attention to those pathetic looking hip - hip posters that Fox is flashing everywhere; the movie isn’t that ridiculous..

This film isn’t the first for the trio, but it is easily their best, getting back to where it all began: a down on his luck musician and three singing chipmunks.. Dave Seville ( Jason Lee who, I’m sad to say, is the weakest acorn of the bunch ) is just about to abandon his career as a song writer when he crosses paths with orphaned baby chipmunk siblings.. To his surprise and good fortune, they just happen to be amazing singers and dancers..

Inspired, Dave brings them into his house, never imagining the massive levels of havoc that such little creatures are capable of wreaking.. And yet, despite their unintentionally destructive ways, they do have a knack for music.. In no time Dave’s songs and their voices begin sweeping the world.. But, despite their musical partnership, the four begin to reach the inescapable reality that they’re becoming a family..

If the story ended there it would be a bit too schmaltzy, so the movie takes a page from the real world of child music celebrities to fill out the second act.. Without regret or apology it takes a swipe at a music industry known for exploiting young performers as the Chipmunks find themselves lured away from Dave by a record company interested only in their ability to generate major amounts of cash..

Focused on glamour and greed, the studio markets the Chipmunk brand to frothing fans who wouldn’t recognize good music if they heard it.. Over - worked, under - loved, and forced to sing ridiculous songs, the boys become victims of a frenzied industry bent on milking every last dollar out of them, no matter the expense or damage to the boys.. Fortunately for the little guys, they have a father figure who loves them and manages to pull them back before their lives are destroyed..

As far as these retro cartoons - turned - updated CGI feature films of late, Alvin and the Chipmunks is probably one of the better efforts.. Based on the 80’s cartoon series from creator Ross Bagdasarian, director Tim Hill ( Spongebob Squarepants ) keeps things simple, incorporates the computer - generated chipmunks well within the live action and stages some hip hoppin’ musical sets.. You might actually start tapping your toes as the pint - sized rodents on speed rock out on stage.. Or maybe not.. The point is Alvin and the Chipmunks does the classic cartoon proud and those old fans shouldn’t be disappointed, while a new, younger legion of Chipmunk fans should be generated ( I can see the new Saturday morning cartoon now ).. Just be prepared to listen to those high - pitched voices belting out top 20 songs from your kids’ iPods..

Alvin and the Chipmunks is wonderfully fun, even if it is a little creepy to hear Alvin singing the words to ” Don’t You Wish Your Girlfriend Was Hot Like Me..” It is full of cute and goofy one liners and is the perfect family kid’s movie these holidays - a delight for the whole family and Chipmunk fans alike.. If you love The Chipmunks, this is a great new chapter to add to your memories; and if you’ve never really gotten to know them before, this movie is a perfect place to start..

I give Alvin and the Chipmunks 3.5 out of 5..