Classics: A Review of The Chipmunk Adventure By Lauren Ennis

 What would you do for $100,000? That is the question posed to the Chipmunks and Chippettes. So begins the wild, zany, and surprisingly heartfelt caper that is the Chipmunk adventure. Blending the Chipmunks signature charm with Jules Verne style globetrotting. The film takes viewers on an adventure they won't soon forget. Join Alvin, Simon, and Theodore for the adventure of a lifetime in the Chipmunk Adventure. 

Off to see the world

The story begins with Chipmunks' guardian, Dave, leaving for a business trip to Europe. The boys are left in the care of scatter-brained babysitter, Miss Miller. While playing a competitive arcade game against the Chippette's they are approached by wealthy and mysterious siblings Claus and Claudia. The pair propose a wager that the Chipmunks and Chippettes race around the world for a $100,000 prize. Despite Simon and Jeannette's misgivings, Alvin and Britney sign their siblings up for an adventure that neither the Chipmunks nor Chippettes will soon forget.

The film takes viewers on an adventure the likes of which only the 1980's could offer. Much like the best family films of the era The Chipmunk Adventure explores dark themes, moral dilemmas, and genuine peril in a way that is still family friendly. For example, the film sheds light on the dark realities of child exploitation through Claus and Claudia's manipulation of the Chipmunks and Chippettes. The rocking rodents soon learn that stranger danger is all too real when they realize that the sinister siblings are actually using their race as a cover for a diamond smuggling operation. Similarly, they are faced with moral questions in the form of Claus and Claudia's initial offer and later when they realize that they have been acting as inadvertent smugglers. The ultimate lessons to e wary of strangers and admit to your mistakes are vital truths that the film presents without resorting to lecturing or pandering. The film also tests its young viewers by placing its heroes in terrifyingly real peril in the form of child marriage, hungry sharks, and even human sacrifice. Even as it puts its pint-sized protagonists to the ultimate test, however, the madcap musical never misses a comedic beat. See the world with the Chipmunks and Chippettes in The Chipmunk Adventure.

Culture shock

The film transports viewers on a trip around the world thanks to the vocal performances of its cast. Ross Bagdasarian Jr. More than lives up to his family legacy as rebellious Alvin, worry-wart Simon, and kind but overwhelmed single father, Dave. Janice Krman seamlessly shifts from naive Theodore to feisty Britney, to strait-laced Jeannette, to good-hearted Eleanor. Dody Goodman is an utter hoot as the Chipmunks' daffy but well-meaning babysitter, Miss Miller. Susan Tyrell makes for an apt femme fatale as equal parts sultry and sinister Claudia. Anthony De Long oozes sleaze as Claudia's partner in crime, entitled and smarmy Claus.

At once a loving homage to classic adventures and an awesomely 80's caper. The Chipmunk Adventure is a rocking good time. The script delivers thrills, tunes, and a even lesson or two without missing a beat. The vocal performances bring the colorful cast of characters to whimsical life. Take on the world with the Chipmunks and Chippettes in The Chipmunk Adventure.

Rock and roll!