Jump to content

Alvin and the Chipmunks (film)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Alvin and the Chipmunks
Theatrical release poster
Directed byTim Hill
Screenplay by
Story byJon Vitti
Based onAlvin and the Chipmunks
by Ross Bagdasarian Sr.
Produced by
Starring
CinematographyPeter Lyons Collister
Edited byPeter E. Berger
Music byChristopher Lennertz
Production
companies
Distributed by20th Century Fox[1]
Release date
  • December 14, 2007 (2007-12-14)
Running time
92 minutes[1]
CountryUnited States[1]
LanguageEnglish
Budget$60 million[3]
Box office$361.3 million[3]

Alvin and the Chipmunks is a 2007 American live-action/animated jukebox musical comedy film directed by Tim Hill from a screenplay by Jon Vitti and the writing team of Will McRobb and Chris Viscardi, and a story written by Vitti. It is the first installment in the live-action film series of Alvin and the Chipmunks. The plot follows chipmunks Alvin, Simon, and Theodore, who move in with struggling songwriter Dave Seville after losing their home. When Dave discovers their rare singing talent, he introduces them to JETT Records executive Ian Hawke, whose plans threaten the chipmunks' newfound family dynamic. The cast includes Jason Lee, David Cross, and Cameron Richardson, with voices by Justin Long, Matthew Gray Gubler and Jesse McCartney.[4][5]

Development began in 1997 when Ross Bagdasarian Jr. expressed interest in creating a live-action film. The project saw multiple changes before it was officially announced in September 2004 as a collaboration between Fox 2000 Pictures, 20th Century Fox Animation, and Bagdasarian Productions. The animation for the film was handled by Rhythm and Hues Studios, which studied real chipmunks and previous versions of the characters to design CGI models that retained the original essence. The integration of CGI with live-action footage required match-moving techniques and advanced visual effects software.[6] The music was composed by Christopher Lennertz, a fan of the Chipmunks since childhood.

Alvin and the Chipmunks was released in the United States on December 14, 2007, by 20th Century Fox. The film is dedicated in the memory of Ross Bagdasarian Sr., who created the titular characters. The film received generally negative reviews from critics, who criticized the film's humor and "rehashed kids' movie formula", while Cross' performance as the villain received general praise.[7] It grossed $361.3 million worldwide against a $60 million budget[8][3] and was the third-best-selling DVD of 2008 in the United States.[9] The film was followed by sequels Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel (2009), Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked (2011), and Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip (2015).[10]

Plot

[edit]

Talking chipmunks Alvin, Simon, and Theodore reside in a fir tree, which is cut down and driven to Los Angeles after JETT Records purchases it as a Christmas tree. Meanwhile, struggling songwriter David "Dave" Seville has his latest demo rejected by their chief executive Ian Hawke, who was his college roommate, and suggests that Dave should quit writing songs. The Chipmunks hop into a basket of muffins that Dave stole from one of Ian's subordinates and follow Dave home.

Dave discovers the Chipmunks in his home. He initially forces them to leave, but upon hearing them sing "Only You (And You Alone)" and "Funkytown", Dave makes a deal with the Chipmunks to sing his songs in exchange for food and shelter. That night, after hearing the Chipmunks hum in their sleep, Dave writes a song for them. The next day, Dave plays his piano and the Chipmunks practice Dave's song, "Christmas Don't Be Late". However, when Dave tries to present the Chipmunks to Ian, the Chipmunks fail to sing because of stage fright. The day worsens as Dave is dismissed from his advertising job due to the Chipmunks having unknowingly ruined his presentation boards. While hosting dinner with former girlfriend Claire, Dave struggles to hide the Chipmunks after Alvin attempts to create a romantic atmosphere, making Claire uncomfortable and ultimately causing her to leave. To make amends, the Chipmunks sing Dave's song in Ian's lavish mansion, prompting Ian to sign a record deal.

The Chipmunks quickly become an international success. Dave, concerned for their wellbeing, insists that the Chipmunks are too young to handle fame, but Ian convinces them that Dave is reducing their success. After a misunderstanding and reading an old letter Dave wrote, the Chipmunks decide to live with Ian, whose only interest is profiting off the Chipmunks' success. As they set off on a nationwide cross-country tour, Ian exploits their naivety by overworking them constantly. When Ian's plan to take the Chipmunks on a twelve-month international tour is revealed on the news, Dave decides to infiltrate their concert at the Orpheum Theatre to retrieve them.

Before their concert, a veterinarian explains to Ian that the Chipmunks' voices have been worn out due to exhaustion and suggests that they take a long rest. Unwilling to cancel the concert and issue refunds, Ian advises the Chipmunks to lip sync. Dave sneaks into the theatre with Claire's help. The Chipmunks hear Dave calling and realize that Ian has tricked them; they decide to sabotage the show by causing chaos onstage. Dave is stopped by security as Ian locks the Chipmunks in a cage, preparing for their world tour. Ian escapes in his limousine with Dave chasing after him. Despite Dave losing Ian, the Chipmunks unexpectedly appear in Dave's car. As Dave and the Chipmunks reconcile, Ian discovers their escape, costing him both his career and fortune.

Cast

[edit]
(L to R) Jason Lee (pictured in 2015), David Cross (2007), and Cameron Richardson (2009)

Production

[edit]

Origin and development

[edit]
Ross Bagdasarian in 1972

In 1958, Ross Bagdasarian, using the pseudonym David Seville, experimented with speed-altered vocals to create "Witch Doctor", a novelty song about love advice from a witch doctor.[13] Its success, which included topping the Billboard charts,[13] inspired Seville to apply the technique to create The Chipmunks: Alvin, Simon, and Theodore.[14][15] Their debut song, "The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don't Be Late)", became a huge hit,[14] selling over 4 million copies and winning multiple Grammy Awards.[16][17] This popularity led to the first animated show airing in 1961. After Bagdasarian's death, his son Ross Bagdasarian Jr. revived the Chipmunks with a successful Christmas special in 1981.[14]

Ross Bagdasarian Jr. dreamed of making a live-action film since 1997, "and the dream has had many nightmare moments".[18] In June 1997, Robert Zemeckis was attached to direct a live action adaptation with Steven Spielberg producing with Universal Pictures,[19] but it was shelved after the estate of Ross Bagdasarian Sr. filed suit against Universal in September 2000.[20] In September 2004, Fox 2000 Pictures, 20th Century Fox Animation and Bagdasarian Productions announced they would collaborate to create a live-action computer-generated film starring Alvin and the Chipmunks.[21] In April 2005, Jon Vitti, writer of The Simpsons, was revealed to be writing the screenplay.[22] In January 2007, it was announced Tim Hill, former writer of Rocko's Modern Life and SpongeBob SquarePants, was in talks with Fox to direct the film, having previously directed Garfield: A Tail of Two Kitties.[23]

Pre-production

[edit]

Chevy Chase, Jim Carrey, Tim Allen, John Travolta, Ben Stiller, Vince Vaughn, and Bill Murray were originally considered for the role of David Seville.[24][25][26] In March 2007, Jason Lee joined the project to play David Seville,[27] and Cameron Richardson signed that month.[28] Patton Oswalt, Tom Cruise and Brian Posehn were approached to play Ian Hawke but all declined.[29] Justin Long, Matthew Gray Gubler and Jesse McCartney voiced the Chipmunks, replacing Bagdasarian Jr. and his wife Janice Karman, who had voiced the chipmunks since they revived the franchise.[30] For recording, the chipmunk voice actors spoke their lines slowly to be sped up to normal speed in post-production; McCartney described it as a "tedious process", where "it could take 40 takes for one line." He owned the album Chipmunk Punk (1980), and studied 1980s Alvin cartoons for his role in the film.[31]

Filming

[edit]
Dave Seville's house was built on Sunset Gower Studios (pictured).

Principal photography began in March 2007[32] as the first film to be produced under the leadership of 20th Century Fox Animation president Vanessa Morrison.[33] Seville's house was built on Sunset Gower Studios in Hollywood, Los Angeles, and contains references to Bagdasarian Sr.'s life. The set pieces included an upright piano he used to write his songs and a flower visual he painted; the house's address number includes 1958, the year he created the chipmunk characters; and the house design is based on a cottage built in 1919, the year Bagdasarian Sr. was born.[34] Filming took place primarily in areas of Los Angeles.[35] In shots where people interacted with the chipmunks, the people rehearsed with small stuffed animals indicating where the chipmunks would be; the animals were then removed when it was time to shoot, and the actors used their memory of where the animals were.[6]

In the mid-credits scene where Ian tries to get squirrels to sing, the actor and the animals were filmed separately. Using nuts, a trainer would bait squirrels in order to get them to turn their heads in different directions.[36]

Post-production

[edit]

The Chipmunks were animated by visual effects company Rhythm & Hues Studios,[37] who previously animated creatures for projects such as Mouse Hunt (1997), Scooby-Doo (2002), The Cat in the Hat (2003), The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005), and Babe (1995), the latter of which garnered Rhythm & Hues an Academy Award.[6] As with past projects, Rhythm & Hues used its own software for animating Alvin and the Chipmunks, such as Voodoo and Icy, which was used for placing the CGI into live-action shots;[6] although Autodesk programs like Flame and Maya were used.[38][39]

Real-life chipmunks were studied and integrated into Ross Bagdasarian Sr.'s characters.

According to Bagdasarian Jr., getting the look of the chipmunks suited for a live-action setting while maintaining the essence of the cartoon designs was challenging, and it took until September 2006 for the artists to get it right.[40] Hill instructed the artists to make the chipmunks look realistic, but not entirely like chipmunks.[6] In addition to observing real chipmunks offered by Universal Studios Inc., Rhythm and Hues studied all versions of the chipmunk characters from past Alvin media for conceiving, fur-texturing, and animating designs for the film.[6] Human dancers were referenced for animating the dance movements of the chipmunks, and YouTube videos of famous guitarists playing the guitar influenced how Alvin's guitar-playing was animated.[6] High-dynamic-range images of sets were also used for lighting the chipmunks to fit the live-action shots.[6] The most difficult part of integrating the chipmunks in the shots was match moving for instances when they climb on Seville's head.[6] For scenes where the chipmunks interacted with props, some were live-action props while others, such as a paper airplane, were produced and animated with computers.[6]

Music

[edit]

The soundtrack was released on November 20, 2007, featuring songs such as "Witch Doctor" and "The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don't Be Late)" (as made famous by David Seville and the Chipmunks), cover versions of songs such as "Bad Day" (as made famous by Daniel Powter) and "Funkytown" (as made famous by Lipps Inc.), and new songs such as "Coast 2 Coast", "Get You Goin'" and "Get Munk'd".[41][42] The soundtrack is the first album to be released in three years by Bagdasarian Productions, and is the group's 43rd album overall. Four songs from the album have charted on the Billboard Hot 100.[43]

The album has been certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America for shipments of over one million copies, thereby becoming the Chipmunks' third Platinum album, sixth RIAA-certified album and the first since Chipmunks in Low Places (which also went Platinum).[44] The film's original score was composed and conducted by Christopher Lennertz.[45] La-La Land Records released a limited edition album on September 19, 2008.[46]

Release

[edit]

Predictions and marketing

[edit]
Interior of a video shop in Berlin with an Alvin film poster (bottom left)

Months before its release, film bloggers anticipated that Alvin and the Chipmunks would be a failure due to the involvement of the director of Garfield: A Tail of Two Kitties (2006),[47][48] the writers of Snow Day (2000), the Ice Age films, Robots (2005), Big Momma's House 2 (2006),[48] and the poor quality of previous live-action adaptations of old cartoons.[47][49] In an August 2007 survey of 750 American teens ran by eCRUSH and OTX, Alvin and the Chipmunks was one of the most anticipated films of the 2007 fall and winter seasons in the group.[50] A video game adaptation, Alvin and the Chipmunks, was developed by Sensory Sweep Studios for Brash Entertainment and released on December 4, 2007.[51]

Home media

[edit]

The film was released on DVD and Blu-ray on April 1, 2008.[52] This release sold 7,559,643 DVD units ($127,641,260) in total becoming the third-best-selling DVD of 2008 in the United States, behind only The Dark Knight and Iron Man.[9]

Box office

[edit]

Alvin and the Chipmunks was released in the United States and Canada on December 14, 2007. The film grossed $44.3 million in 3,475 theaters its opening weekend averaging to about $12,750 per venue, placing second at the box office behind I Am Legend.[53][54] Its second weekend was $28.2 million. On its third weekend, it surpassed I Am Legend for number 2 at the box office, but ranked behind National Treasure: Book of Secrets. The film closed on Thursday June 5, 2008, making $217.3 million in the US and $144 million overseas for a total of $361.3 million worldwide.[54] The sustained box-office success surprised the studio; Elizabeth Gabler of Fox 2000 told the Los Angeles Times, "I look at the numbers every day, and we just laugh". Alvin was more profitable than either I Am Legend or National Treasure: Book of Secrets.[55] According to MTV, it became the highest-grossing talking animal/cartoon adaptation until its sequel.[8] It is 20th Century Fox's second-highest-grossing film to be released in 2007, behind only Live Free or Die Hard.[56]

Response towards Cross

[edit]

David Cross received backlash for his role in the film. In December 2007, comedian Patton Oswalt made a blog joke that he and Brian Posehn were offered the role of Ian but rejected it, adding, "We both threw the script across the room in disgust. David Cross caught it."[57] In response, Cross said he had rejected the role initially but reconsidered.[58][59][60]

Reception

[edit]

Critical response

[edit]

On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 28% of 107 critics' reviews are positive, with an average rating of 4.1/10. The website's consensus reads: "Though cutely rendered, Alvin and the Chipmunks suffers from bland potty humor and a rehashed kids' movie formula."[61][62] Metacritic, which uses a weighted average, assigned the film a score of 39 out of 100, based on 23 critics, indicating "generally unfavorable" reviews.[63] Audiences polled by CinemaScore gave it grade A, on a scale of A+ to F.[64]

Several film reviewers praised Cross' performance as the villain.[65][66]

Ty Burr of the Boston Globe said, "the script leans heavily on the pranks and big-eyed cuteness of the li'l guys and leaves the live actors with unfunny dialogue and nothing to do."[67] According to The New York Times, "its animated protagonists are egregiously eclipsed by the live-action characters."[66] Chicago Reader criticized the "cardboard" characters of David Seville and Ian Hawke.[68] The most common censure was the film's satire on commercialism, which was hypocritical due to being bombarded with popular brands, including the chipmunks themselves.[a] Explained Burr, the film's message "is torn between the glitz that sells and the homilies that endure."[67]

Some critics disliked Lee's under-acting, particularly his underwhelming yelling of the word "Alvin!"[b] In his review for Première, Andrew Grant found, "Jason Lee makes for a sympathetic Dave, yet there's an almost somnambulistic quality to his performance,"[78] and Vice wrote that Lee's "rather 'cartoony' acting style here leaves a lot to be desired."[76] However, Lee's acting did have some supporters for working as a likable protagonist,[73][80] such as Time Out, a source that thought his "wry approach lends an edge to some of the script's wittier moments."[70] Some reviewers praised Cross' performance,[c] such as Bill Goodykoontz of The Arizona Republic who called the villain the highlight of the film: "Cross is hilarious in everything he does, but he's surprisingly effective in a kids comedy. His villainy is so broad that it's never really scary, and he's so funny that you never tire of seeing him on-screen."[82] However, one reviewer, Tim Robey, admitted to being annoyed by Cross in the film.[72] Andrew Grant called Richardson "sufficiently adorable and winsome, though the film's purity makes it difficult to imagine any sort of romantic entanglement."[78] Roger Ebert of RogerEbert.com wrote: "Jason Lee and David Cross manfully play roles that require them, as actors, to relate with empty space that would later be filled with CGI."[83]

The Philadelphia Inquirer wrote, "the values and the CGI are good."[84] Some critics praised the chipmunk protagonists;[68] with Vice writing they were "integrated pretty well into the live-action elements."[76] The A.V. Club wrote, "the manic Chipmunks wear out their welcome pretty quickly."[75] The Globe and Mail also commented on the shot composition: "you've got regulation-height dancers and musicians backing a singing group the size of kids' mittens."[85] Some reviewers, including Ebert, also panned the lack of distinction between the chipmunks.[83][84] However, Variety thought there was a "persuasive interaction of human and digital co-stars."[74]

Accolades

[edit]

Fox submitted Alvin and the Chipmunks to the Academy Awards for a Best Animated Feature before the film had a theatrical run required for the award; it was not nominated.[86] While the Movieguide Awards named Alvin and the Chipmunks the third best family film of 2007,[87] PopMatters called it the second worst film of the year.[88] It was also named one of 2007's worst pictures by science fiction writer John Varley.[89] In 2011, Entertainment Weekly ranked Alvin and the Chipmunks the third worst live-action/animation hybrid film of all time.[90] Complex and Screen Rant named it eleventh worst talking animal film of all time.[91][92] In 2013, it was ranked by GamesRadar as the 48th worst Christmas movie ever.[93] In 2016, Box Office Prophets ranked it the fifth worst live-action film based on a cartoon.[94] The film also won the 2008 Kids' Choice Awards for Favorite Movie,[95] a BMI Film & TV Award for Film Music,[96] and was nominated for a Young Artist Award for Best Family Feature Film (Fantasy or Musical).

Sequels

[edit]

A sequel, titled Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel, was released on December 23, 2009.[97] Zachary Levi joined the cast, and the main cast members reprised their roles for the sequel; the film also introduced the Chipettes in the live-action film series. A third film, titled Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked, was released on December 16, 2011.[98] A fourth and final film, titled Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip, was released on December 18, 2015.[99]

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d e "Alvin and the Chipmunks (2007)". AFI Catalog of Feature Films. Archived from the original on September 20, 2021. Retrieved June 20, 2018.
  2. ^ a b "Alvin and the Chipmunks (2007)". BFI. Archived from the original on August 9, 2020. Retrieved December 13, 2020.
  3. ^ a b c "Alvin and the Chipmunks". Box Office Mojo. Archived from the original on July 28, 2019. Retrieved April 19, 2018.
  4. ^ Alvin and the Chipmunks (2007) | MUBI. Retrieved August 8, 2024 – via mubi.com.
  5. ^ Service, -Synopsis courtesy of Tribune Media (December 14, 2007). "Alvin and the Chipmunks". CITY Magazine. Retrieved August 8, 2024.
  6. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Wolff, Ellen (December 14, 2007). "'Alvin and the Chipmunks': A Critter Christmas". Animation World Network. Archived from the original on January 3, 2020. Retrieved December 24, 2019.
  7. ^ "Alvin and the Chipmunks (2007)". Rotten Tomatoes. Archived from the original on June 30, 2010. Retrieved January 18, 2008.
  8. ^ a b "Alvin & The Chipmunks To Meet Chipettes in Sequel?". MTV Movie Blog. Archived from the original on January 15, 2008. Retrieved January 18, 2008.
  9. ^ a b "Top-Selling DVD Titles in the United States 2008". The Numbers. Retrieved September 27, 2024.
  10. ^ Kit, Borys (December 18, 2014). "'Alvin and the Chipmunks 4' Finds a Director (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on January 25, 2015. Retrieved December 18, 2014.
  11. ^ "Alvin and the Chipmunks credits". Metacritic. Retrieved October 16, 2024.
  12. ^ "Forget the Chipmunks, Give me More Cameron Richardson". BeyondHollywood.com. November 8, 2007. Archived from the original on November 9, 2007. Retrieved October 31, 2009.
  13. ^ a b The Oxford Handbook of Music and Virtuality. Oxford University Press. 2016. p. 132. ISBN 9780199321285.
  14. ^ a b c "Alvin and the Chipmunks History". Business Insider. Retrieved November 13, 2024.
  15. ^ Korkis, Jim (April 5, 2013). "Animation Anecdotes #104". Cartoon Research. Retrieved December 19, 2021.
  16. ^ O'Neil, Tom (May 4, 2009). "Today in 1959: First Grammy Awards handed out". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved November 29, 2009.
  17. ^ "How Much Does the Chipmunks' Christmas Song Earn Every Year?". Billboard. Retrieved October 28, 2024.
  18. ^ "A Chipmunk Interview – part 1". Channel 24. December 27, 2007. Archived from the original on January 3, 2020. Retrieved December 22, 2019.
  19. ^ "Santa Maria Times from Santa Maria, California". Newspapers.com. June 19, 1997. Retrieved April 10, 2024.
  20. ^ "Family of Chipmunks' Originator Files Suit Against Universal Studios". Los Angeles Times. September 12, 2000. Retrieved April 10, 2024.
  21. ^ Brodesser, Claude (September 14, 2004). "'Alvin' to squeak again". Variety. Archived from the original on January 3, 2020. Retrieved December 21, 2019.
  22. ^ Brodesser, Claude (April 17, 2005). "Fox Animation ups Cohen". Variety. Archived from the original on January 3, 2020. Retrieved December 21, 2019.
  23. ^ LaPorte, Nicole (January 24, 2007). "Hill to direct 'Chipmunks'". Variety. Archived from the original on January 3, 2020. Retrieved December 21, 2019.
  24. ^ Evans, Bradford (September 22, 2011). "The Lost Roles of Chevy Chase". New York. Archived from the original on June 8, 2020. Retrieved December 6, 2020.
  25. ^ Evans, Bradford (October 26, 2011). "The Lost Roles of Tim Allen". New York. Archived from the original on November 18, 2021. Retrieved December 10, 2020.
  26. ^ Evans, Bradford (February 16, 2012). "The Lost Roles of Bill Murray, Part Two". New York. Archived from the original on February 22, 2020. Retrieved December 10, 2020.
  27. ^ McNary, Dave (March 7, 2007). "'Chipmunks' befriend 'Earl' star". Variety. Retrieved December 21, 2019.
  28. ^ Dodd, Stacy (March 21, 2007). "Cameron Richardson". Variety. Archived from the original on January 3, 2020. Retrieved December 21, 2019.
  29. ^ "The Lost Roles of Patton Oswalt". December 8, 2011. Archived from the original on July 18, 2021. Retrieved July 21, 2021.
  30. ^ "Alvin, Chipmunks Stay In The Family". Billboard. December 11, 2007. Retrieved December 27, 2019.
  31. ^ Eisinger, Amy (March 20, 2008). "Jesse McCartney". Seventeen. Archived from the original on January 3, 2020. Retrieved December 26, 2019.
  32. ^ Grove, Chris (March 8, 2007). "Earl Meets the Chipmunks". Animation Magazine. Archived from the original on January 3, 2020. Retrieved December 24, 2019.
  33. ^ Sperling, Nicole (March 8, 2007). "Alvin!!!!! Lee pops for 'Chipmunks'". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on January 3, 2020. Retrieved December 24, 2019.
  34. ^ Rosen, Lisa (November 4, 2007). "Out of thin air". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on January 3, 2020. Retrieved December 27, 2019.
  35. ^ "MONO IN THE MOVIES – ALVIN & THE CHIPMUNKS". March 24, 2021. Retrieved October 24, 2024.
  36. ^ "Alvin and the Chipmunks - Humane Hollywood". Humane Hollywood. Retrieved November 13, 2024.
  37. ^ Byrd, Scot (2008). "Rhythm & Hues 2007 Feature Film Work". ACM SIGGRAPH 2008 computer animation festival. ACM Digital Library. pp. 94–95. doi:10.1145/1400468.1400537. ISBN 978-1-60558-345-7. Retrieved November 13, 2024.
  38. ^ Ball, Ryan (December 21, 2007). "Autodesk Behind Holiday Blockbusters". Animation Magazine. Archived from the original on January 3, 2020. Retrieved December 24, 2019.
  39. ^ "ANGELO LUBUTTI" (PDF). Retrieved November 13, 2024.
  40. ^ Garfinkel, Jacki (September 11, 2006). "Alvin, Simon and Theodore are Coming Back". Media Village. Archived from the original on January 3, 2020. Retrieved December 21, 2019.
  41. ^ Staff, Billboard (December 11, 2007). "Alvin, Chipmunks Stay In The Family". Billboard. Archived from the original on November 2, 2023. Retrieved June 11, 2024.
  42. ^ The Chipmunks (November 20, 2007). "Alvin and the Chipmunks (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)". Apple Music. Archived from the original on December 26, 2021. Retrieved June 11, 2024.
  43. ^ Hasty, Katie (April 9, 2008). "Strait Speeds Past R.E.M. To Debut At No. 1". Billboard. Retrieved December 27, 2019.
  44. ^ "Chart Shakers". Billboard. April 10, 2008. Retrieved December 27, 2019.
  45. ^ "A Note From The Composer," liner notes, score album, La-La Land Records LLLCD 1077
  46. ^ "Alvin and the Chipmunks - Original Score (2007)". Soundtrack.Net. Retrieved September 27, 2024.
  47. ^ a b Vespe, Eric (March 8, 2007). "Oh God, Jason Lee why? ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS movie from the mind-blowing talents behind the GARFIELD movie sequel?!?". Ain't It Cool News. Archived from the original on January 3, 2020. Retrieved December 27, 2019.
  48. ^ a b Sciretta, Peter (July 3, 2007). "Alvin and The Chipmunks Movie Poster". /Film. Archived from the original on January 3, 2020. Retrieved December 27, 2019.
  49. ^ "Dustin Putman's Review - Alvin and the Chipmunks (2007) - [TheMovieBoy]". Retrieved October 24, 2024.
  50. ^ Schiller, Gail (August 27, 2007). "Study: TV, trailers keep teens tuned to movies". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on January 3, 2020. Retrieved December 24, 2019.
  51. ^ "Scan of back cover". Archived from the original on November 28, 2015.
  52. ^ "Everything You Need to Know About Alvin and the Chipmunks Movie (2007)". December 21, 2008. Retrieved September 27, 2024.
  53. ^ Sperling, Nicole (December 17, 2007). "I Am Legend sets record". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved November 18, 2022.
  54. ^ a b "Alvin and the Chipmunks (2007) - Weekend Box Office Results". Box Office Mojo. Archived from the original on December 9, 2008. Retrieved December 16, 2007.
  55. ^ "'Alvin's' broad appeal pays off". Los Angeles Times. January 3, 2008. Archived from the original on March 6, 2016.
  56. ^ "All Time Worldwide Box Office for 20th Century Fox Movies". The Numbers. Retrieved October 8, 2024.
  57. ^ Oswalt, Patton (January 2, 2008). "Patton Oswalt Responds". The A.V. Club. Archived from the original on January 3, 2020. Retrieved December 25, 2019.
  58. ^ Netburn, Deborah (January 3, 2008). "Comedian defends his kid-flick role". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on October 25, 2009. Retrieved January 16, 2020.
  59. ^ Sicha, Choire (June 14, 2009). "It's full speed ahead for David Cross". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on June 18, 2009.
  60. ^ Cross, David (December 31, 2007). "Allllllviiiiin!". The Bob and Davider. Archived from the original on January 3, 2008. Retrieved December 25, 2019.
  61. ^ "Alvin and the Chipmunks (2007)". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango Media. Archived from the original on November 17, 2020. Retrieved November 1, 2020.
  62. ^ Ryan, Tim (December 13, 2007). "Critical Consensus: I Am Legend All Over the Map, Chipmunks Hits Sour Note". Rotten Tomatoes. Archived from the original on March 24, 2019. Retrieved December 24, 2019.
  63. ^ "Alvin and the Chipmunks". Metacritic. Archived from the original on July 5, 2010. Retrieved November 1, 2020.
  64. ^ "CinemaScore". CinemaScore. Archived from the original on February 6, 2018. Retrieved October 20, 2018.
  65. ^ a b c Willman, Chris (April 4, 2008). "Alvin and the Chipmunks". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved December 23, 2019.
  66. ^ a b c Webster, Andy (December 14, 2007). "Alvin and the Chipmunks". The New York Times. Archived from the original on October 21, 2019. Retrieved December 23, 2019.
  67. ^ a b Burr, Ty (December 14, 2007). "Alvin and the Chipmunks". The Boston Globe. Archived from the original on April 24, 2008. Retrieved December 24, 2019.
  68. ^ a b Gronvall, Andrea (December 20, 2007). "Alvin and the Chipmunks". Chicago Reader. Archived from the original on December 18, 2007. Retrieved December 22, 2019.
  69. ^ a b Hartlaub, Peter (December 14, 2007). "Review: 'Alvin and the Chipmunks' get a 21st century update". San Francisco Chronicle. Archived from the original on November 14, 2011. Retrieved December 24, 2019.
  70. ^ a b "Alvin and the Chipmunks". Time Out London. December 17, 2007. Archived from the original on January 3, 2020. Retrieved December 24, 2019.
  71. ^ Fox, Ken (May 18, 2008). "Alvin And The Chipmunks". TV Guide. Archived from the original on April 7, 2008. Retrieved December 24, 2019.
  72. ^ a b Robey, Tim (December 21, 2007). "Film reviews: St Trinian's, Alvin and the Chipmunks and A Comedy of Power". The Daily Telegraph. Archived from the original on January 12, 2022. Retrieved December 24, 2019.
  73. ^ a b Smith, Anna (July 4, 2007). "Alvin And The Chipmunks Review". Empire. Archived from the original on January 3, 2020. Retrieved December 24, 2019.
  74. ^ a b c Leydon, Joe (December 13, 2007). "Alvin and the Chipmunks". Variety. Archived from the original on June 28, 2017. Retrieved December 13, 2011.
  75. ^ a b Phipps, Keith (December 12, 2007). "Alvin And The Chipmunks". The A.V. Club. Archived from the original on January 3, 2020. Retrieved December 22, 2019.
  76. ^ a b c Vice, Jeff (December 13, 2007). "Film review: Alvin and the Chipmunks". Deseret News. Archived from the original on January 17, 2018. Retrieved December 23, 2019.
  77. ^ Hunter, Stephen (December 14, 2007). "Singing the Same Old Song". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on December 9, 2017. Retrieved December 24, 2019.
  78. ^ a b c Grant, Andrew (December 13, 2007). "Alvin and the Chipmunks". Première. Archived from the original on September 15, 2008. Retrieved December 23, 2019.
  79. ^ Ordona, Michael (December 14, 2007). "'Chipmunks' hits kid-friendly note". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on January 3, 2020. Retrieved December 24, 2019.
  80. ^ Scheck, Frank (December 13, 2007). "Alvin and the Chipmunks". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on January 3, 2020. Retrieved December 24, 2019.
  81. ^ Weitzman, Elizabeth (June 3, 2008). "'Chipmunks' drive us to rodent rage". New York Daily News. Archived from the original on January 3, 2020. Retrieved December 24, 2019.
  82. ^ Goodykoontz, Bill (December 13, 2007). "Alvin and the Chipmunks". The Arizona Republic. Archived from the original on January 3, 2020. Retrieved December 22, 2019.
  83. ^ a b Ebert, Roger (December 13, 2007). "Alvin and the Chipmunks". RogerEbert.com. Archived from the original on January 3, 2020. Retrieved December 23, 2019.
  84. ^ a b Rickey, Carrie (December 14, 2007). "Please, Alvin, don't be so darned nice". The Philadelphia Inquirer. Archived from the original on December 19, 2007. Retrieved December 22, 2019.
  85. ^ Cole, Stephen (December 14, 2007). "Funny, till the 'munks get funky". The Globe and Mail. Archived from the original on January 21, 2021. Retrieved December 24, 2019.
  86. ^ ""Ratatouille," "Bee Movie" make Oscar shortlist-Reuters". Reuters. Archived from the original on October 26, 2018. Retrieved October 25, 2018.
  87. ^ Garcia, Elena (February 14, 2008). "Top 10 Movies of 2007 Announced at 'Christian Oscars'". The Christian Post. Archived from the original on May 1, 2019. Retrieved December 25, 2019.
  88. ^ "Super Duper Bad: The Worst Films of 2007". PopMatters. January 10, 2008. Archived from the original on January 3, 2020. Retrieved December 25, 2019.
  89. ^ Varley, John (2008). "Varley's Best and Worst Films of 2007". Varley.net. Archived from the original on December 7, 2019. Retrieved December 25, 2019.
  90. ^ Schwarzbaum, Lisa; Gleiberman, Owen (April 1, 2011). "5 Best -- and 5 Worst -- Live-Action/Animation Hybrid Movies". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved December 25, 2019.
  91. ^ Striga, Danijel (December 17, 2015). "11 Worst Movies Starring Talking Animals". Screen Rant. Archived from the original on January 3, 2020. Retrieved December 25, 2019.
  92. ^ Barone, Matt (March 30, 2011). "The 15 Most Obnoxious Movie Animals". Complex. Archived from the original on January 3, 2020. Retrieved December 25, 2019.
  93. ^ Kinnear, Simon (December 9, 2013). "100 Worst Christmas Movies". GamesRadar. Archived from the original on January 3, 2020. Retrieved December 25, 2019.
  94. ^ "A-List: Worst Live Action Movies based on Cartoons". Box Office Prophets. April 14, 2016. Archived from the original on January 3, 2020. Retrieved December 25, 2019.
  95. ^ "Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards 2008 Winners Press Release". NickALive!. March 31, 2008. Retrieved October 9, 2024.
  96. ^ "2008 BMI Film/TV Awards". BMI Film & TV Awards. May 22, 2008. Retrieved October 9, 2024.
  97. ^ "Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel (2009)". British Film Institute. Archived from the original on February 27, 2018. Retrieved December 13, 2020.
  98. ^ "ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS - CHIPWRECKED". bbfc.co.uk.
  99. ^ "ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS: THE ROAD CHIP (U)". British Board of Film Classification. January 5, 2016. Archived from the original on February 20, 2016. Retrieved January 5, 2016.
[edit]