Writer: Hanna Zainal

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Watch this if you liked: "Alvin And The Chipmunks", "Garfield"

For anyone who watched the first "Alvin And The Chipmunks" movie - surprise, your favourite singing rodents are back! Who would've thought that this movie would have a sequel in the works, but yes, it has. This time, the little critters have some competition in the form of rival singing group, The Chipettes. Of course, the main characters in the movie, the Chipmunks are all CGI and voiced by Justin Long as Alvin, Matthew Gray Gubler as Simon, and Jesse McCartney as Theodore.

All the characters from the first movie return to the sequel with the addition of new cast members. The new Chipettes are voiced respectively by Christina Applegate as Brittany, Anna Faris as Jeanette, and Amy Poehler as Eleanor. Jason Lee returns as the Chipmunks guardian, Dave Seville, and David Cross as the villain Ian Hawke. The new characters, other than the Chipettes are Zachary Levi as Dave's cousin Toby, and Wendie Malick as the Chipmunks school principal Dr. Rubin. Kathryn Joosten makes a cameo as Dave's Aunt Jackie, tasked to look after the Chipmunks when Dave gets injured.

The movie starts off at a fast pace. The story just dives into the Chipmunks world, there is no introduction for first time viewers. It is advisable that if planning to see the movie, do watch the first one. Otherwise, there'll be some serious confusion going on as the movie expects viewers from the first movie who know the characters well to catch this sequel.

Still, as Alvin and the Chipmunks are well-known characters and have been around for long, expect die-hard fans to catch this movie. This movie is definitely made for the kiddie audience and yes; they'll have a great time watching it, as it doesn't disappoint in terms of pace, dialogue, and action. Among the songs featured and sung by both the Chipmunks and Chipettes are Katy Perry's "Hot N Cold", Beyonce's "Single Ladies", and Flo Rida's "Right Round". If you love the songs and want to see them done chipmunk-style, then go watch this movie.

The CGI in the movie of the Chipmunks and Chipettes are acceptable. While not brilliant, the audience won't mind. Performance wise, the voice actors do a good job in their roles. However, Lee's Dave character seems to have fewer screen time compared to in the first movie.

Overall, a great kids' movie and definitely one to bring them to during this Christmas and holiday season. The kids will love following the adventures of Alvin and company.


Cinema Online, 23 December 2009