Things That Parents Need To Know
Parents need to know that this threequel will likely appeal to kids and fans of the first two Chipmunk movies. Parents also should know that unlike its' two predecessors, this adventure has a gentle G rating rather than PG. Other than a few pop-culture references and a couple of dangerous situations, the film is very clean in nature and should be fine for kids. Though it still is primarily very silly, the positive messages of responsibility and family unity will bring smiles to kids and parents.
Review
Who would've thought we would see three Alvin films in four years? And why not? Critics may despise them, but kids love them, and its' shown as the first two were successes, but, they didn't really strike a chord with me. And while the second one did improve from the first one, should I expect similar results from this kid-friendly caper?
In Chipwrecked, the now world-famous Chipmunks and Chipettes decide to take a vacation before getting back to performing (on the International Music Awards). Joining them as always is their "dad", David Seville (Jason Lee), and as always, Alvin is getting into trouble. But when one of his plans goes too far, and I mean, really far, by means getting himself and his friends stuck on a kite that flies away and leaves them on a deserted island, Dave must find his "kids" and along the way, he drags along an old foe, Ian (David Cross), who is stuck in a pelican outfit after losing two chipmunk groups in the last two movies.
Chipwrecked has positive messages on family unity, bravery, self-sacrifice, and responsibility. One thing that I was so glad to see in this film was that there was no toilet humor, and when everything seemed to be at its' worst, Alvin rose to the occasion, dropping his troublesome antics and taking charge of being responsible for getting off the island. (It gets funny when he yells "NOOOO!" when Brittany tells him, "You're starting to sound like Dave") The chipmunks and chipettes all help each other out and are willing to risk their lives to save one another. Also, the characters, including the supposed bad guy (a crazy woman who's been on the island for nine years), all apologize at the end of the film, giving it some sense of redeeming value. Even the former villain, Ian, has some moments of redemption here, as he learns that he can't get his way and he says, "its' never too late to do the right thing".
Looking at the negative content, there really isn't much to say. But personally, I don't know, I'm just not personally a fan of the songs they cover that are by Lady Gaga, P!nk, and others (a couple of stand-outs though include "Firework" by Katy Perry and the "Vacation" song). There is one scene when the Chipettes get into a dance war with three human girls, and it involves some mild choreography. There is some slapstick action, including a chipette being injured after falling, and volcano ashes narrowly missing our furry friends and their human friends. Language gets no worse than "oh my gosh" being used a few times, along with one use of "jeez" and an unfinished quote of "I'm such a pain in the..", but is interrupted before it can be finished.
Altogether, Chipwrecked improves from its' predecessors on some levels, its' more family-friendly than the other two as it has more positive messages and steers clear from the usual eye-rolling moments. And while I'm still not a fan of these characters, the shipwreck theme is interesting, and the film has its' share of emotional and adorable moments. That makes this cute and cuddly critter caper fun, but pretty mindless.
Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked is rated G.
POSITIVE VS. NEGATIVE Summary:
Positive Negative
--Positive lessons on responsibility and family unity. --Brief dance war.
--Former villains have moments of redemption. --Covers of songs by Lady Gaga,
--No toilet humor. Katy Perry, etc.
Outcome: Generally favorable
