Review of Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked (2011) by Tanner C — 31 May 2012

This film clearly had little to no effort put into it. As usual, the kids' filmmakers all had the same things in mind: "What difference does it make what crap we throw out here? They're just a bunch of brats who don't know any better anyway.".

There are ridiculous plot holes everywhere. For instance one of the Chipettes, Eleanore, sprains her ankle and constantly complains about how much it hurts... until right at the end when she is magically better again and is dancing her butt off like nothing happened. Judging by the hints of back story and character development (there isn't a lot) I assume this would mean that a seriously sprained ankle fixed itself in a matter of a couple hours.

The music grates the ears like sandpaper. The acting, with the exception of David Cross, is absolutely atrocious. The one cool scene is when the volcano erupted and lava was everywhere. But even then it's really rushed.

When I first heard they were going to have the chipmunks shipwrecked I was screaming "YES! YES! Finally they're going to really put some heart and adventure into this franchise!" I began to think of all of the ways they could make this film great. The ship sinks! They are stranded on the ocean! Simon and Alvin argue and have a fight (a real one, with kicking and scratching and punching.) Maybe even one of the 'munks/'ettes could die at the end and have somewhat of a tragic ending.

And that is my main problem with the movie. It is ungodly disappointing. Unlike the other two, where you knew what you were getting into, this one had a real opportunity to hit home. But it backed out for lame wise cracks, pop cultural references and (sigh) a Sarah Palin joke.