Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel

This holiday smells of nuts and cheeseballs for Alvin and his friends are round the corner again. After awing many with their chipmunk vocals performing songs like Bad Day and Christmas Don’t Be Late, the trio are back for more rock ‘n’ roll with the Chipettes.

The movie opens with the chipmunks performing on stage and within minutes, our favourite troublemaker, Alvin, causes an accident that sends their beloved Dave to the hospital. With Dave absent from home, who will now take care of the three little chipmunks? Rest assure, for Dave has made necessary arrangements for them to go to school and has put a guardian in charged to take care of them. Yes, you heard me right. The Chipmunks are going to school to have a proper childhood, as Dave insists.

While all the fun and bullying unfolds in school, Ian Hawke returns from the garbage dump with another evil plot – to exploit the innocent Chipettes and destroy the Chipmunks. When Chipmunks meet Chipettes…what will happen between them?

The movie is a fun, enjoyable family film and for all those who love to get struck by more chipmunk cuteness. Comparing to the previous chipmunk film, the Squeakuel sees more conflict within the Chipmunks and what the movie sells – cuteness. Plot wise, I preferred the first movie which I felt was much more stronger in terms of story and emotions. There was the establishment between Dave and the Chipmunks’ bond but the Squeakuel concentrates on the Chipmunks’ school life and a band competition and pretty much ends it that way. Most of the time, Dave lies in the hospital and appears at the end to dance with crutches.

It’s true that one probably don’t get enough of the chipmunks after watching the first, but the sequel really made me thought that they were selling cute moments and had ignored the story development. Audience sure paid to see what they expect – singing and dancing chipmunks topped with cuteness and more cuteness but on top of that, I think we’re still looking for a good story to follow along with the adorable characters. Sure I love Alvin’s coolness, Simon’s glasses and Theodore’s sentiments. The Chipettes performed well but still I rooted for the Chipmunks team, that is to say the Chipmunks’ character were much more developed aided by the first movie. I didn’t felt much for the Chipettes, not to mention they don’t have much room for development in this movie.

The movie ended kind of abrupt for me…if there is a part 3, would I still watch it? My answer is still a Yes. I guess I still want to see more of Alvin and gang even though the story may not be the best. In terms of amusement, this film probably score a 4 out of 5 with the singing and dancing but story wise, it needs a lot of polishing. Nonetheless, it is still an entertaining watch for this festive season if you are in for something cute.

- Winnie