ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS: THE SQUEAKQUEL

RYAN: There’s a new sequel in town.

CAROLINE: I think you mean “Squeakquel.”

RYAN: That’s so clever, isn’t it? I actually loved the first “Alvin and the Chipmunks” movie and have been really looking forward to the Squeakquel.

CAROLINE: You know I don’t do kids movies, so I skipped this one. How was it?

RYAN: Pretty good.

CAROLINE: As good as the first?

RYAN: I think I liked the first a little better because it’s the story of how the Chipmunks and Dave get together and gel as a family, etc.

CAROLINE: And what’s happening in this one?

RYAN: Well Dave’s hardly in it; he’s laid up in the the hospital and only really bookends the film. So this time around the Chipmunks are running amok with Dave’s nephew, Toby, who’s played by the dude from TV’s Chuck.

CAROLINE: And isn’t Dave played by Jason Lee from TV’s My Name is Earl?

RYAN: Yeah – we’ve got Chuck & Earl up in herre.

CAROLINE: [laughs’ They’re quite the fan of putting TV stars in these movies.

RYAN: So true – even the baddie in both this one and the first is an actor best known for Arrested Development.

CAROLINE: Oh, David Cross?

RYAN: Yeah and I really don’t like him. I was hoping he wouldn’t be in this one – he plays cocky so well that I actually don’t like him as an actor.

CAROLINE: You shouldn’t hold it against him that he’s that good of an actor.

RYAN: Whatever. He just irks me. But I loved all the musical numbers in the movie.

CAROLINE: Of course. And how are the girl Chipmunks? They do “Single Ladies,” right?

RYAN: The Chipettes. They’re so great. Definitely a highlight in the film – they’re voiced by Amy Poehler, Anna Faris and Christina Applegate.

CAROLINE: I love them all.

RYAN: And I could kinda tell which one was Anna ’cause her comic timing is so distinctive.

CAROLINE: Who voices the boys again?

RYAN: Justin Long, Jesse McCartney and Matthew Gray Gubler.

CAROLINE: Who the eff is that last guy?

RYAN: He’s a bit-part actor who’s on some TV series called Criminal Minds.

CAROLINE: So aside from the musical moments, a good story or really just for the kids?

RYAN: No, these movies are really great for all ages. I grew up watching the Chipmunks cartoons and had the toys and it’s quite nostalgic for me. I think they make cute movies, and the CGI special effects are just so terrific.

— BOTTOM LINE —

RYAN: It’s a cute movie – almost as good as the first one. I like the competition and rivalry among the ‘munks and the ‘ettes. I remember that from some of the old ’80s cartoons. But I guess we learn as with sequels, Squeakquels are rarely as good as the first.

CAROLINE: Clever.

RYAN: I recommend it for kids, for sure, but also for any adult Chipmunk fans.

— RATING —