Alvin and the Chipmunks, The Squeakquel

I saw the first Alvin and the Chipmunks film (2007) and while it was nothing thrilling, it was cute and not insanely annoying to the adults attending. Unfortunately, I cannot say the same of the second film. The plot set-up is heavily contrived to allow Zachary Levi (better known for and much better in the TV show "Chuck") to take over the heavy lifting for Jason Lee. A series of accidents happen hospitalizing both Lee's character "Dave" and the aunt he had put in charge during his hospitalization. This leaves the chipmunks in the charge of Levi's ultra slacker, Toby.

For reasons almost as equally contrived, and not at all explained, the chipmunks are going to school -- high school. This allows for high jinks with the snobby jock kids, a uber-Chipmunk fan of a principal, and Alvin to be split in his loyalties between his brothers and his new "friends" on the football team. Yes, you read correctly, Alvin plays for the high school football team.

The other story line involves Ian (David Cross), the former record producer of Alvin and the Chipmunks who has become the L.A. version of homeless -- living in luxury model apartments and doing business on the roof of his old office building. He has found his way "back" as he has discovered the female equivalent of Alvin and his brothers -- the Chipettes. The sisters are exact copies of each of the Chipmunks Alvin, Simon, and Theodore (body types, glasses, and all) wearing skirts. And of course, they sing. If you weren't already tired of Beyonce telling us that we should have put a ring on it, wait until you hear it voiced an octave higher on helium.

Now my six year old son loved it. He said to me emphatically that the film was "crazy, funny!" and he "loved it!". So if you have a six to eight year old boy, this may be the film for him. Besides the Jerry Lewis style pratfalls, there is the requisite collection of swirlies, wedgies, butt and fart jokes. Like I said, perfect for young boys.

My daughter was bored. The story did not hold her and she wandered the aisle almost non-stop, I must admit that this did not add to my enjoyment of the film.

It is rated PG and the word "sucks" was used.

Overall, I would give this a "Stay In" or in other words, wait for the DVD.

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