Alvin and the Chipmunks 2: The Squeakquel
Alvin and the Chipmunks 2: The Squeakquel
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By Alistair Potter. |  |
Sunday, 20, Dec 2009 01:42
Directed by Betty Thomas, out December 21st, starring Justin Long, Jason Lee, David Cross, Zachary Levi, running time 92 mins.
What's it all about?
After gaining fame and fortune in the first entry of the chipmunk movies, the Squeakquel sees the Chipmunks return to school under the supervision of Dave's cousin Toby who only appears to be interested in his videogames. Not long after they start at their new school, Alvin, Simon and Theodore adjust to their new lives but Alvin soon finds that he is more interested in hanging out with a group of bullies than spending time with his brothers. Meanwhile, the Chipmunks' ex- manager Ian discovers a group of singing female chipmunks called the Chipettes. He sets about turning them into rival superstars in order to destroy the Chipmunks' success. The music department in the school is threatened with closure so the boys are assigned the task of saving it by winning the $25,000 prize in a musical battle. Things take a slight turn for the worse and the Chipmunks unexpectedly meet their matches Brittany, Eleanor and Jeanette in a face-off.
As an example.
"Hi, I'm Theodore. Hi, I'm Theodore. Hi, I'm Theodore." - Theodore
"He's Theodore in case you missed it." - Simon
What the others say
"If the idea of three squeaky-voiced squirrels as pop gods makes you shudder, Alvin and the Chipmunks won't make you change your mind- but there's enough spritely mischief in this flawed comedy to provide some light-hearted fun."- Saxon Bullock, Channel 4 Film
"The acting is fine and the Chipmunks are cute but the script is poorly developed and there are few actual laughs." - Matthew Turner, View London
So is it any good?
The movie enters with an adorable but slightly annoying performance of You Really Got Me and hundreds of screaming teenage girls. This opening scene sets a precedent of what the whole movie is likely to be about. Although the movie has some real chipmunk moments, it lacks real humour; something that the first movie somewhat achieved. In addition, the script is poorly put together and focuses on the cute factor rather than the comical moments you might expect from the film. As with the first film, the animation is great and believable next to the real life actors. The performances are also fun with well known songs like Beyonce's Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It). If you liked the first movie, you won't mind this one. Definitely a nice treat for the young ones but some of the grown-ups may have to grin and bear it.
6/10
Rachael Okesola