Alvin And The Chipmunks (2007)

2.5 out of 4

Starring: Jason Lee, David Cross, Cameron Richardson, voices of Justin Long, Matthew Gray Gubler, Jesse McCartney

Director: Tim Hill

Time: 90 mins

Viewed: Regal Marlboro 8, New Jersey

Composite of live action with digitally animated chipmunks brings the helium-voiced singing trio Alvin (Long), Simon (Gubler) and Theodore (McCartney) to the big screen. They befriend struggling songwriter Dave (Lee) and become unwitting victims of greedy producer Ian (Cross), all the while learning and teaching Dave a thing or two about family. Utterly harmless, innocuous film aimed at the younger set is charming and fun for the first half, but becomes dull and predictable for the second. Not as bad as it could have been, but not too inspired, either.

(c) Joe Wong (16 December 2007)