RPP DVD Review
‘Chipmunks
Squeakquel barely generic follow-up
By Ezra Mann (Editor
in Spoof)
Review also posted at the Pauls Valley Daily Democrat
Like anyone I can be a sucker for a continuation of a decent movie storyline. I could lie and say that like many critics my love of films is forever shattered by Hollywood’s lack of creativity.
Anyone who says this and keeps watching what comes out in theaters is only proving they are out for their own inflated egos and just needs to admit we’re so greedy for entertainment we’ll never be able to let go of that love. However, that aside it does not mean that I am going to give an automatic thumbs up when a studio literally does not try as proved by the latest offering by America’s most famous singing rodents. “Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel” was barely worth the DVD rental and even then I felt like I didn’t get my money’s worth.
The biggest shame here is that I actually liked the first adventure of Alvin (Justin Long), Simon (Matthew Gray Gubler) and Theodore (Jesse McCartney) where they struggle to adapt to Dave’s (Jason Lee) human world and barely escape the clutches of the evil recording industry. Yet, some bright nimrod got the idea that it would be ok to take the second movie and literally copy and paste the former villain, Ian (David Cross) and his previous plot and pass it off as if those who were hooked on the characters for generations before were too dumb to notice.
It’s practically impossible not to spoiler what happens and it’s a shame because Brittney (Christina Applegate), Jeanette (Anna Faris) and Eleanor (Amy Poehler) deserve so much better. And it may be more of a nitpick, but Aunt Jackie (Kathryn Joosten) the lady from the 80s cartoon that could still give nightmares was blanded down to a nursing home reject. About the only noticeable change was the addition of an evening Disney or Nickelodeon pre-teen sitcom thrown in for background.
At first being such a big fan of the characters I was disappointed that I did not get to buy tickets and watch it, but now I’m glad I at least saved myself from feeling really ripped off. If you don’t mind these several quirks then maybe I could recommend you Netflix it yourselves.
I severely hope that if a third film is made they start with an apology to the audience and try and develop something more exciting. Take a page from “The Chipmunks Adventure” if you have to retread anything at all. For being somewhat entertained, but not encouraged to watch again soon I give “Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel” two out of five burrows.
Images are copyright of 20th Century Fox.