Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel (DVD)

Bagdasarian, Jr., R., Karman, J. (Producers), Thomas, B. (Director), Vitti, J., Aibel, J., & Berger, G. (Writers). (2010). Alvin and the chipmunks: The squeakquel [DVD]. Beverly Hills, CA: 20th Century Fox Entertainment.

Interest Level: Ages 8 to 14
Rating: PG
Running Time: 89 minutes
Subjects/Themes: Family, Chipmunks, Talking Animals, High School,

Plot: The movie starts with Alvin and the Chipmunks playing at a benefit concert in Paris where Dave, their guardian, gets injured.  Dave is forced to recover in Paris while the Chipmunks go ahead home where Aunt Janice is suppose to take care of them.  Unfortunately Aunt Janice also meets with an accident and her grandson, Toby, ends up taking care of the Chipmunks instead.  The Chipmunks start school for the first time and end up having to deal with some bullies.  Alvin's desire to be popular starts to drive the brothers apart.  Meanwhile the Chipmunks old enemy Ethan signs the Chipettes and wants to use them to get back at the Chipmunks.  The two groups end up falling for one another.  Ethan puts the Chipettes in a cage and plans to force them to perform for him.  Alvin goes to their rescue and the two groups perform together in a musical competition to save the school's music program.

Personal Thoughts: Alright I'm a chipmunk fan from way back.  I think the squeaky remakes of popular songs is awesome rather than annoying.  If you can't stand the squeakiness you probably can't stand this movie.  But for tweens who love talking animals, this is another movie they'll probably enjoy.  The Chipmunks have to deal with bullies and the issue of choosing popularity or choosing to stand by your family.  The fighting between the chipmunks is fighting that you could see among any group of siblings or friends.  Alvin doesn't seem to realize the importance of his family until after he misses the song competition and let's his brothers down.  Learning from his mistakes, Alvin understands what he did and makes up for it.  Some popular songs that are featured in the movie include "All the Single Ladies," "You Spin Me Round (like a record)," and "Shake Your Groove Thing."

Prequel: Alvin and the Chipmunks (2008)

Awards/Recognition:
Kids' Choice Award Winner for Favorite Movie (2010)