ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS
RYAN: Happy Birthday Yakel!
CAROLINE: Thanks Cackle.
RYAN: “Alvin & the Chipmunks” is everything I wanted it to be.
CAROLINE: Let the record show that you let me off the hook and said I didn’t have to see it with you.
RYAN: Since you’re predisposed to dislike children’s movies, I figure I’m more apt at reviewing it. We know you won’t like it even without seeing it.
CAROLINE: So true. So this one lived up to your expectations?
RYAN: Yes. It really spoke to the sentimental memories I had of Alvin and the gang when I was a child. I loved this as a cartoon in the ’80s. I had all the toys and toy sets and even a couple albums.
CAROLINE: Back when they were LPs.
RYAN: Exactly! And the filmmakers did a great job capturing the essence and personalities of Alvin, Simon and Theodore. It was cool to see the back story of how they found Dave and became pop sensations.
CAROLINE: Okay. You do realize this was fiction?
RYAN: [laughs’]
CAROLINE: How was the CGI?
CAROLINE: What about that Scientologist, “My Name is Earl” actor, Jason Lee?
RYAN: He looks the part but he played it sort of bland. I’m a bit disappointed in his casting, actually.
CAROLINE: Who would have been better?
RYAN: Maybe Ryan Gosling. Or Ryan Reynolds. Basically any actor named Ryan.
CAROLINE: Was there a plot?
RYAN: Of course! There’s a lot of romantic comedy going on and just good comedy in general. And there’s also a sweet story of family and caring.
CAROLINE: You’re making it sound sappy.
RYAN: It’s not. It’s really sort of a musical too because the Chipmunks become pop stars and they’re the songs we associate with them. And David Cross, from TV’s “Arrested Development” has a sizable role as well.
CAROLINE: I’m over it. Bottom line?
RYAN: This is a great movie for the kids or anyone who’s nostalgic about the Chipmunks. It’s a musical romantic comedy with an emphasis on the comedy. The laughs aren’t just for the kids and it’s overall a well done theatrical, live action, adaptation of the ‘munks some of us adore.