'Chipwrecked' is a fun time for the entire family

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Just when you thought it was safe to bring your Utz cheese balls back out, Alvin, Simon and Theodore are back with a new adventure on DVD and Blu-ray.

In the latest installment of the "Alvin and the Chipmunks" franchise entitled "Chipwrecked" Alvin and the gang on taking a cruise to unwind before an awards show, but end up stranded on an island.

Dave Seville (Jason Lee) must join forces with his nemesis Ian Hawke (David Cross) to find the boys and the Chipettes before its too late.

On the island, the Chipmunks encounter Zoe (Jenny Slate), Simon's alter ego Simone is unleashed and they all have to find a way off the island before a volcano erupts.

Despite all the bad hype this kids film received, I found it to be a very good time. I watched it twice in the theater and again on Blu-ray and thought it held up pretty well.

Too often people put too much emphasis on plot when it comes to a kids flick, but in my opinion, if walk out of the theater or turn off the TV and can say you had a good time, that's enough.

Simon's transformation into the French-speaking Simone is wonderfully hilarious.

The only knock I have on the movie is Cross' performance. Usually I'm a huge fan, but his performance could best be summed up as mailed it in. There was nothing new and even the moments he has to shine, all you get is a dull glimmer.

The Blu-ray of the film is packed full of goodies. My personal favorite was "Alan Tudyk: Chipmunk Apprentice". The featurette is a mockumentary about Tudyk providing the voice for Simone and it couldn't be funnier.

There are also a few more featuettes, some sing-a-longs and a couple extended scenes.

Final Cut: "Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked" doesn't live up the previous to films in the franchise, but it's enjoyable nonetheless.

Movie: 4 stars

Extras: 4.5 stars

Alvin and the Chipmuns: 

Chipwrecked

Starring: Jason Lee, David Cross, Justin Long, Matthew Gray Gubler, Jesse McCartney, Amy Poehler, Anna Farris, Christina Applegate, Jenny Slate

Director: Mike Mitchell

Writer: Jonathan Aibel, Glenn Berger

Run Time: 87 minutes