Technical Assessment: 3
Moral Assessment: 3
Cinema Rating: For viewers of all ages
After a series of successful albums and concert tours, Dave Seville (Jason Lee), the chipmunks and chipettes father-figure cum manager decides to give his 6 wards a break and embark on a special cruise. He forewarns his “children”, especially Alvin to behave and stay away from trouble but the exact opposite happens as the entire ship is transformed into a huge playground for the chipmunk sextet. Alvin decides to be more daring and go para-kiting, however, the chipmunks collective weights are no match for the winds. They get carried off the ship and land in a deserted island in the middle of the ocean. Dave and Ian (David Cross) are reunited as they try to rescue the chipmunks and end up marooned in the other end of the island.
The 3rd sequel to the Chipmunks franchise has started to become redundantly and predictable. Although the song and dance sequences are still entertaining, storywise, it falls a little short for a full length film. Even the comedy is a little rundown by now. The attempt to add some dramatic moments worked for a while but was not enough to give the film a fresh twist. Overall, audiences would have had their dose of entertainment but will surely forget about it after a few hours.
Fortunately, Alvin and the Chipmunks 3: Chipwrecked offers a few good lessons for the family. For one, there is the strong family theme that resounds from beginning to end. For parent viewers, the film can be a reminder of their unconditional love for their children during good and well-behaved times as well as the nerve-wrecking naughty and bratty times. (I for one have constantly sympathized with Dave and saw my young son in Alvin.) A parent needs to be firm and consistent but understanding and accepting at the same time. For the children viewers, they will realize that at one point, they would need to grow up and be more responsible in life.
There is also the element of transformation. Ian, who has been the franchise’s nemesis, has shown remorse over his past mistakes. Despite admitting that he has exerted effort in getting revenge, he realized that this obsession has negatively consumed his life and even encouraged Zoe to make the right decision. At the end, it is implied that he chose to save Dave and completely reform his ways.
Although the theme and language of the movie is suitable for the family, the chipmunks’ recklessness might be misunderstood by the very young audience. Parents are advised to explain consequences of certain actions to their children.
