When I saw the first trailer of “Alvin and the Chipmunks,” I was thoroughly horrified. As a kid, I hated the cartoon, and the thought of another wave of Chipmunk love was too much for me to take.
But when it came out, I was surprised. The movie did well, and week after week, it kept doing well.
Then I kept hearing co-workers and friends — adult co-workers and friends — say they’d seen it, and that it was pretty good.
Now, as a father of a little kid, I’ve seen a lot of bad — scratch that — I’ve seen a lot of boring children’s entertainment in the last few years.
From TV shows that teach letters and shapes to lessons on being nice, I’ve sat through some dull stuff in an effort to help my kid learn.
But now, things are getting good. The little one can follow plots and enjoy jokes. That has let me open up to a whole new level of kids entertainment — stuff that I enjoyed when I was a kid and stuff that I’m more than a little nostalgic for now.
So, after all was said and done, we just went out to see “Alvin and the Chipmunks,” and I have to say, I had a pretty good time.
On a technical level, the CGI for the Chipmunks was pretty impressive. Sure, they are just cartoon chipmunks, but their fur, actions and emotive ability was top notch. Each of the little guy had his own quirks. They match with the background perfectly. In all, it was pretty hard to tell they weren’t actually on the set.
I was similarly impressed with the humor of the movie. Sure, this isn’t high-level comedy, but it was funny. I had a good time and enjoyed myself.
But then there’s the plot. Yes, there was an annoyingly preachy plot — that your family is who you make your family — but it had heart, and you certainly wanted things to work out. Sure, it was simple, but that’s what you need for a kids’ movie.
So, if you’re find yourself in the need to entertain a little one, you can go too wrong with “Alvin and the Chipmunks,” and that’s your Sound Advice for Today.
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