Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel

Banking on the success of the original 2007 Alvin and the Chipmunks movie, this so-called “squeakquel” blends CGI animation with live-action as it half-heartedly revisits the famed singing and dancing rodents: egotistical Alvin (voiced by Justin Long), brainy Simon (Matthew Gray Gubler), and cuddly Theodore (Jesse McCartney). At the beginning of the story, the trio are forced to leave their injured mentor/minder, Dave Seville (Jason Lee), who is confined to the hospital in a full-body cast, and move in with Aunt Jackie (Kathryn Joosten). But when Jackie is incapacitated in an unfortunate accident, the lads are left in the dubious care of Dave's shy, slacker nephew, Toby (Zachary Levi), and enrolled in the local high school, where they suffer bullying in the form of swirlies and wedgies. Still, the principal (Wendie Malick) is not only a fervent fan of the furry rock stars but also determined to win $25,000 to save the underfunded music program, so she enters them in a talent contest. Meanwhile, Alvin's despicable, disgraced former manager, Ian Hawk (David Cross), has hooked up with The Chipettes, three girl chipmunks (Christina Applegate, Amy Poehler, Anna Faris) who are positioned as rivals to the Chipmunks. Of course, it's only a matter of time before the compatible trios join forces and become fast friends. Unfortunately, with their high-pitched, doctored voices, they all sound alike, and director Betty Thomas isn't helped much by the simplistic, predictable, slapstick-filled script. An optional purchase, at best. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include the “Munk Music Machine” feature which plays different songs from the film, a “Music Mania” featurette (9 min.), and trailers. Exclusive to the Blu-ray release are the “Music in a Nutshell” song trivia viewing option, the “A-l-v-i-n-n-n-n!!! Album Maker” interactive feature, music videos with optional sing-along lyrics, seven additional production featurettes (50 min.), bonus DVD and digital copies of the film, and the BD-Live function. Bottom line: a decent Blu-ray extras package for a disappointing film.] (S. Granger)