(QuickTime)

There is something noble about upholding traditions that tie us to our past—even if said traditions are cheesy and downright silly. So should it be an ominous omen when Alvin and the Chipmunks opens with the iconic rodents singing a fingernails-on-the-chalkboard grating version of Daniel Powters' "Bad Day"? After 90 minutes, the answer is a resounding yes.

This latest incarnation of the Alvin, Simon, and Theodore franchise tries desperately to tug the heartstrings and give us the warm fuzzies but fails miserably under a tired storyline, bad jokes, and an avalanche of product placement. The only redeeming quality is a good dose of the classic "Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don't Be Late)"—or maybe I'm just excited for the Christmas season.

Jason Lee stars as Dave, a failed songwriter who, unbeknownst to him, carries home the chipmunks from an unsuccessful song pitch to smug record executive Ian (David Cross). After initial unbelief, and the proverbial trashing of the kitchen by his new houseguests, Dave discovers the trio's "talent" for singing. He writes the aforementioned Christmas song for them and pitches it again to Ian who signs the trio up in hopes of making them the "next big thing."

While Dave lovingly attempts to oversee their budding career responsibly, Ian sees nothing but dollar signs and pushes them to the brink of exhaustion and overexposure. Even the boys get caught up in their newfound celebrity and choose to trust Ian while viewing Dave as an overbearing blowhard out to ruin their fun—after all, in "Uncle" Ian's world "there are no rules!"

The lesson of material possession and unrestrained freedom not bringing happiness and contentment is a vital one and the Chipmunks learn it the hard way. True fatherly love comes through discipline, self-control, and thinking of the future and not just the present. In this way, Dave is truly a father figure to Alvin, Simon, and Theodore.

Was this new version of Alvin and The Chipmunks necessary? Not really. At the very least, a new generation has been introduced to Alvin, Simon and Theodore. There is nothing wrong with a little nostalgia and a good 'ol fashioned moral-of-the-story ending—too bad this latest version resorts to lame fart jokes and references to YouTube and P. Diddy to get us there.