Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip

Expanding on the premise of a successful film, if done well, is both rewarding and entertaining. However, in the case of Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip, the fourth installment in the series, the lives of the animated trio are whittled down to slapstick humour and a very predictable storyline. Though the soundtrack brings a bit of energy to the PG-rated flick, music is not enough to make this more than a one-time watch.

The plot revolves around Alvin (Justin Long), Simon (Matthew Gray Gubler) and Theodore (Jesse McCartney), who live happily with their beloved guardian David Seville (Jason Lee). However, life soon takes a turn for the furry bunch when Dave introduces them to his new girlfriend, Samantha (Kimberley Williams-Paisley) and her less-than-welcoming teenage son Miles (Josh Green). Upon discovering an engagement ring, the boys fear for both David’s future and their own when he takes Samantha on a trip to Miami, leaving them in the hands of Miles. Though Miles takes a dislike to the close-knit chipmunks, he accompanies them across the country in order to put a stop to the proposal, forming a friendship along the way. From here on, the movie focuses on the mischief and trouble that the group faces en route to Florida, including the wrath of a bitter air marshal James Snugg (Tony Hale).

More so than anything else, it is perhaps the incredibly lazy storyline and over-used humour that are the downfall of the film. The stereotypical bully of a stepson, an over-the-top villain and the crude comedy quickly lose their appeal. However, the saving grace comes from the movie’s unique use of computer-generated animation in real life, which is very refreshing to watch, alongside the catchy soundtrack. Most notably, the high-pitched rendition of Uptown Funk and singer-rapper Redfoo’s club hit Juicy Wiggle provide some much-needed energy and manage to liven up the atmosphere.

Overall, Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip is well made, the actors are enjoyable to watch, and the entertaining voices of the mischievous threesome provide some lighthearted humour. However, audiences can only hope that after seeing yet another sequel, this will bring an end to the drawn-out saga.

Reha Sandill

Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip is released nationwide on 12^th February 2016.

Watch the trailer for Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip here: