I grew up with the Chipmunks so I tend to enjoy anything they put out. It’s been four years since they started this new string of movies and because of their financial success, they have been churning them out like clockwork every two years. But sadly, they have been getting progressively worse and I think I’ve reached my limit – Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked was terrible. The other two movies were pretty bad as well, but at least they were somewhat enjoyable. This one was just cringe worth. If you don’t know, the Chipmunks are three little critter brothers who can sing their hearts out: Alvin, Simon, Theodore.
The Chipmunks have become a huge musical hit alongside their female counterparts, the Chipettes, and while on their way to the International Music Awards their “dad,” Dave Seville takes them on a family vacation cruise. Alvin is already wreaking havoc and getting into trouble as they board the biggest product placement of the year: Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Dream. While on the ship, there is no lack of showing the Carnival logo in as many shots as possible while the Chimpunks and Chipettes try to have fun. Theodore steals the show with his cute, cuddly, shy, and scared personality. The Chipettes rock it as usual with their girl power and flashy moves…especially their rendition of Willow Smith’s “Whip My Tail.” There are plenty of cute songs and dances in the beginning but one thing leads to another and we’re stranded on a remote island with the six singing chipmunks.
Alvin, Simon, Theodore...and Brittany...and Jeanette...and Eleanor
Stranded. This is where the movie turns from bad to awful. The Chipmunks are supposed to sing, right? They stop singing for the entire middle of the movie! Instead, they steal punchlines and memes from the movie, “Cast Away” and the Internet. They meet a loony character named Zoe (Jenny Slate) who has a collection of Wilsons, Spaldings and Callaways (talking sports balls). You’ll hear Charlie Sheen’s “winning,” meet a honey badger who takes what he wants and doesn’t give a –, and see a double rainbow. The writers of this movie were literally watching YouTube while making this script. David Cross is back as the cruel Ian as well as Jason Lee as Dave. They must be paying them boatloads because they have far past lost their dignity working on this series. They’re joined by the same voices from the previous movies: Justin Long (Alvin), Matthew Gray Gubler (Simon), Jesse McCartney (Theodore), Amy Poehler (Eleanor), Anna Faris (Jeanette), and Christina Applegate (Brittany).
Don't worry...I still love you guys
I am quite surprised that they didn’t try and make this movie 3D especially since it’s the third installment. I am grateful, just surprised. If they stuck to the sing-along formula of the previous movies, maybe this could have been championed for sticking to its 2D roots but instead, it was just crap. There are a few hit songs from the likes of Lady Gaga, Katy Perry and Rihanna – just think of pop radio sped up to the chipmunks voices. If that gimmick still makes you laugh, then you’ll enjoy the beginning and end of this movie. Go for a walk during the middle. They even had LMFAO’s “Party Rock Anthem” but the Chipmunks didn’t even shuttle! Therefore, the Kia commercial with the hamsters is one hundred times better than Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked.
Going the Distance is not your typical rom com (Remember, it’s rated R). Sure, it has the romantic side for the ladies but the comedy is definitely for the dudes (women will get a kick out of it too though). Starring Drew Barrymore and Justin Long, Going the Distance delivers a nonstop (pun?) orgy of humor and emotions without going over the top and keeps it realistic. It has mass appeal but doesn’t sell out to conform…no wonder it was pushed back a week for the Labor Day weekend…I think a lot of people are going to love this one.
The premise of after.life is really intriguing. When you see it play out in the film, it’s very thought provoking and you will find yourself asking yourself a lot of questions during and after the film. This is a messed up and twisted movie about the transition from living to dead…to the afterlife. Based in a massive funeral home of Eliot Deacon, you join Anna Taylor as she confronts the idea of her losing her life. The story begins while Anna, played by Christina Ricci, is still alive living her everyday life as a middle school teacher with her boyfriend Paul, played by Justin Long. She goes to a funeral of her old piano teacher where she meets Eliot Deacon, played by Liam Neeson, for the first time. Anna’s everyday life isn’t all that well…she constantly pops pills and can’t seem to not have an argument with her boyfriend. One night, she gets into yet another argument with Paul and storms out of dinner by driving away in terrible weather where she eventually gets into a crash. Don’t worry, this isn’t a spoiler to the movie as it happens pretty early and the whole focus of the film is her journey to the other side. She wakes up dazed and confused in the funeral home meeting the funeral director hovering over her body. She doesn’t believe she’s dead and Deacon lets her know that he can communicate with her because he has a gift and that he’s the only one with this gift that can talk to her.
