Recommendation: Rent/Queue it for an okay laugh Release Date: 04/01/08

Preview

And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. (2 Corinthians 11:14)

I remember growing up watching Alvin and the Chipmunks in the '80s. In fact, my brother's name is Alvin (not named after the chipmunk, and a totally different story). It was always interesting the hijinx those chipmunks would get into, and of course the signature high-pitched singing.

When they came out with the movie I was very skeptical, especially since it was going to be live action. Aside from some bad acting by the real (non-animated) actors, the movie is quite funny and worth at least a look. The tension between Dave Seville and Ian Hawke made it interesting to me.

The one, Dave, wanted good things for the chipmunks like making sure their money was invested well, they were getting plenty of rest, and they focused on good music (that part is up to interpretation). On the other hand, Ian was selfish and wanted to milk the "munks," as he called them, for all they were worth. He didn't care about their health or financial well-being. In one scene, the other chipmunks are judging Simon's performance with number signs like you see at a slam-dunk contest. Ian holds up a dollar sign, instead of a number.

Bottom line we have to ask ourselves: who has our best interests at heart, God (Dave) or Satan (Ian)? I hope you come up with the same conclusion as these animated chipmunks!

All in all a good rent, if you are just searching for something to watch or add to your queue.

Special Features

• Chip-Chip-Hooray! Chipmunk History featurette (Informative featurette discussing how the son of Ross Bagdasarian, the creator of the chipmunks brought Alvin and his brothers back to life...twice!)
• Hitting the Harmony featurette (Great featurette showing how it's not as easy as speeding up a record to get those chipmunks to sing. The performers have to sing it r e a l l y s l o w...)
• Inside Look at Dr. Seuss Horton Hears a Who!