Review of Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel (2009) by Robert C — 16 Apr 2011

I'll be honest. I kinda think this is better than the first movie. Where that one tried to strike an odd balance of mixing child humor with something adults might enjoy (while also struggling to "modernize" an aged property) This one (like many sequels) jumps into telling an actual story.

Sure, the dumb humor is still here, and yes, the Chipettes plot is EXACTLY the same recycled thread from what happened in the first movie, but the Chipmunks themselves are given a little more character this time around and I thought the school setting worked well to explore that.

Amy Poehler is wasted as one of the voices (really? they could have got anyone) and the song selection isn't as strong or varied- but it was interesting watching Alvin deal with his popularity (and undoubtedly dorky brothers) and some of the other cast, like the principal, Zach Levi, and David Cross seem to know exactly the kind of movie they're in. Its harmless.