Synopsis: Alvin (Justin Long), Simon (Matthew Gray Gubler) and Theodore (Jesse McCartney), along with the Chipettes, become marooned on a not-so-deserted island.
Release Date: December 16, 2011 MPAA Rating: PG-13
Genre(s): Children and Family, Adventure
Film Review
Production
The Chipmunks and Chipettes have returned to the big screen in the latest franchise installment, Alvin and The Chipmunks: Chipwrecked. They still sing, they still dance, but the focus this time around is on them finding their way home. Alvin, Simon, Theodore, Brittany, Eleanor, and Jeanette are stranded on a tropical island after Alvin–it is always Alvin’s fault, right?–gets them into trouble aboard a cruise ship while on a family vacation with Dave (Jason Lee). Making matters worse is the appearance of their arch-nemesis, the man who used to keep them in a cage, Ian (David Cross), who is now the ship’s mascot. But Ian is not the person the Chipmunks need to worry about, as he is busy with Dave trying to find their own way off the island while searching for the lost Munks. There is a new villain in town, and she comes across as the friendliest of castaways on the island, Zoe. Zoe claims to be a UPS pilot who has been stranded on the island for years–and she looks really good for having been stranded. She is a bit crazy though, talking to basketballs, volleyballs, and even a golf ball. Yes, the pop culture references known to exist in The Chipmunks movies are all over Chipwrecked and they make it more enjoyable than if they were left out. Zoe has a secret, as does this mysterious island, and the Munks soon find out her smile is merely a mask for greed.
With the Munks stranded they must fend for themselves, pillaging for food and building shelter. The tree house building scene is one for the books, showcasing the talent of Brittany and finally proving she is more than just a pretty face. The scene stealer for the entire movie is Simon as the Frenchman Simone. After a bump to the head this alter-ego comes out of Simon and the audience says goodbye to bookworm Simon and a triumphant hello to the suave daredevil Simone who finally shows Jeanette his inner feelings in a rousing display of romance and adventure. Left to their own devices the Munks learn a great deal about responsibility, especially Alvin, providing the necessary moral to this tale. Chipwrecked is not the strongest effort of a film but it manages to appeal to the viewer on enough diversionary levels. The Munks always manage to make people happy when they watch them, Chipwrecked fulfills this if nothing more.
Musical Numbers
With Simone’s antics, Alvin learning responsibility, Theodore’s jungle monster fears, Zoe’s treasure hunt, Brittany’s tree house decorating skills, and Eleanor’s injury, Alvin and The Chipmunks: Chipwrecked forgot what the Chipmunks and Chipettes do most (and best?), they sing and dance! A clever cover of Destiny’s Child’s “Survivor” by The Chipettes and a carefully crafted number at the Cruise Ship’s dance club of Willow Smith’s “Whip My Hair.” The nearly embarrassing rendition of Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way” is a far cry from the cutesiness of previous efforts by The Chipettes, such as Beyonce’s “Single Ladies.” In Chipwrecked the Munks seem to have lost their love for a musical number when desertion/starvation sets in, an unfortunate case of events for the viewer who looks forward to their spirited covers of well-known pop songs.
Comedy Factor
Six talking chipmunks, who also dance and sing, make for a humor filled time at the movies regardless of how strong one’s consternation. Perhaps it is the adorable way Theodore says “Jungle Monster,” while quivering with fear. Or Simon as ‘Simone’, a tree-swinging ladies man who wears large spectacles and speaks with a French accent (or at least it sounds french, sometimes). Then there is Alvin, not the funniest of the Munks but his antics do provide comic relief when one is not finding frustration in his seemingly endless immaturity. Lest one not forget the human counterparts to the chipmunks, where watching David Cross’ Ian dressed in a bird suit for the entire movie holds its own delight. For the children Alvin and The Chipmunks: Chipwrecked is sure to please, for the adult who can find humor in the unlikeliest of places, the movie will tickle your funny bone whether you are willing to admit it or not. (Apologize in advance to everyone you know for screaming “Jungle Monster!!!” for the next few days for your own enjoyment)
Cast and Crew
- Director(s): Mike Mitchell
- Producer(s): Jonathan AibelGlenn Berger
- Screenwriter(s): Justin Long (voice of Alvin)Christina Applegate (voice of Brittany)
- Story: Anna Faris (voice of Jeanette)
- Cast: Alyssa Milano (Daphne Snow)Matthew Gray Gubler (voice of Simon)Jason Lee (Dave) Andy Buckley (Captain Correlli)David Cross (Ian)Jenny Slate (Zoe)Thomas E. AckermanRichard Holland
- Editor(s):
- Cinematographer: Mark Mothersbaugh
- Production Designer(s):
- Costume Designer:
- Casting Director(s):
- Music Score:
- Music Performed By:
- Country Of Origin: USA