ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS 2, 2009
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ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS 2
Movie Reviews
Directed by Betty Thomas
Starring: Jason Lee, Zachary Levi, Drew Barrymore, Christina Applegate, Anna Farris, Justin Long, David Cross, Amy Poehler
Review by Andrew Kosarko
SYNOPSIS:
Pop sensations Alvin, Simon and Theodore end up in the care of Dave Seville's twenty-something nephew Toby (Levi). The boys must put aside music superstardom to return to school, and are tasked with saving the school's music program by winning the $25,000 prize in a battle of the bands. But the Chipmunks unexpectedly meet their match in three singing chipmunks known as The Chipettes -– Brittany, Eleanor and Jeanette. Romantic and musical sparks are ignited when the Chipmunks and Chipettes square off.
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REVIEW:
I go against every one of my colleagues by saying this – but damn I was entertained this time. I’m sorry, I won’t lie. The 2nd movie has it’s problems for the adult audience, but there’s enough here to keep me entertained and even pulled on my emotional strings a couple of times.
The Story: The truth is, it’s that cookie cutter formula….again. But at least this time they understand that it’s more about what you do within the structure that the formula itself. It follows the chipmunks themselves a bit more than the first film did and that’s really the best part. The Chipettes are apparently “horribly handled” according to a Chipmunk fanboy I know (Even I didn’t know there were levels of fandom that reached that far) but I was entertained by their story as well. Yes, of course the obvious match ups occur but it’s not the primary focus of the story, it’s more about brothers sticking together and remaining individuals. While it doesn’t exactly take the story to the high notes of that theme it does play them along well enough to illicit emotion from you, or at least me-my gf and the little kids surrounding us. Yes, it’s still the same old same, but it’s aleast got a little something new here and there to catch your attention. And this time there’s some adult injokes thank God. Most notably to this movie nerd – Alvin, voiced by Justin Long, referencing the 5 D’s of Dodgeball.
Acting: THANK GOD for Zachary Levi. He plays his role, although for a kids movie, pretty straight forward and not over the top. Yes, it’s underdeveloped and cliché, but man is he much more relatable than Jason Lee’s “Dave.” – whom I may add only bookends the movie because he spends most of the movie in the hospital due to an on stage accident caused by Alvin in the opening scene. It’s also weird that Dave is cut out of the film so much and his love interest from the first film is completely ignored and unmentioned. But I don’t think the kids will notice and you will care – I’m just a stickler for continuity like that.
Directing: Usually female directors don’t hit it big with me. I understand that’s completely sexist, but I try to watch the titles at the end of the movie instead of the start. Most times I notice films I don’t like were directed by women. It’s just how I naturally react before I know this. This time, however, I was pleasantly surprised. This is definitely better than the first film and as always the director should get all the credit. Great job Betty Thomas.
Cinematography: Same as before – high school musical vibrant colors of blue, red and yellow. Everything is clean and shiny and bright. But you love looking at it and it fits the world we’re in and follows in continuity with the first film.
Production Design: Again – same as the first film. The “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it” rule applies here and while it remains stagnant of it’s film maker column, it works for the freaking chipmunk movie man, haha.
Editing: Pacing is soooo much better this time. Things keep going and they cut right to the chase 75% of the time. Yes, there are some scenes that are quite repetitive and you realize in retrospect the exact same thing is happening for no reason whatsoever, not even comedic, but overall it still holds up alright.
Score: Again, if you’re not tolerant of the chipmunk takes on pop songs, there’s nothing I can do to help ya.
Special Effects: While I understand the approach taken behind the chipettes, I do wish they had been a little bit more original in their design. Maybe mix it up visually a bit. But it helps the kids figure it out if the girl with glasses likes the boy with glasses. Thank you stereotypes. Regardless, the design is still hardcore detailed and enjoyable to see. This is what cartoons should look like when rendered for a live action kids movie.
In closing: I dug it. The girlfriend dug it. The kids dug it. You really don’t have to see the first one to “get it”. And while it’s what you’ll expect from a Chipmunks sequel, it’s still a pretty decent film to see with the family one night. Don’t expect to be on the edge of your seat, but it’s definitely a good rental for a family night.
